Spring Forward Helps Families Find Room to Dream

Compass would like to extend its thanks to everyone who joined us at our 16^th annual Spring Forward luncheon, Room to Dream.  The event raised over $280,000 to benefit the more than 3,000 homeless and extremely low-income parents and children that Compass helps each year to regain a solid footing.  The event was hosted by Steven Dinkelspiel, President and Publisher of San Francisco magazine. 

$75,000 Challenge Grant

Compass was thrilled to announce the Marie Mendenhall Cleasby and Gilbert W. Cleasby challenge grant at the luncheon.  Dr. and Mrs. Cleasby were long-time residents of San Francisco and although they travelled the world, they loved San Francisco and cared deeply about helping their neighbors in need.  

The challenge was announced by Compass Family Services board chair, Sloan Klein. 

“We are all here today because we agree that no child deserves to bear the burden of poverty and homelessness,” said Ms. Klein. “Every child deserves room to dream.”

Guests in attendance did not allow the opportunity to double their impact to pass.  Thanks to their generosity and compassion for San Francisco families in need, Compass was able to meet the terms of the challenge grant and secure an additional $75,000 in support of its vital services for homeless families.

Compass Community Award

Compass presented its 4^th annual Community Award to Making it Home.  For the past five years, Making it Home has helped scores of Compass families moving into permanent housing with furniture and home furnishings that create a warm and welcoming environment.  Through Making it Home’s efforts, Compass families have been able to begin their new lives in comfort and with dignity. The award was accepted by former Compass board member and Making it Home founder, Sara Lemke-von Ammon.

Compass Clients Move Many to Tears

Spring Forward guests heard emotional first-hand testimonials from Compass clients Latonia Williams and Bonnie and Dean Schram. Ms. Williams, a client of Compass Clara House, a two-year transitional housing program, is a full-time student with her sights set on social work degree from UC Berkeley. She shared her story of overcoming addiction to become a powerful advocate for her son’s education.

“My life is still a work in progress,” said Ms. Williams. “But I am certain that it is going to be a good life because I choose to be an active participant rather than a spectator on the outside looking in."

The Schrams also shared their story of how Compass’ services helped them to welcome a healthy baby girl and find long-term stability. Ms. Schram wiped away tears as she described the experience of overcoming addiction, being pregnant and homeless and finally finding the help that she needed at Compass.

Mr. Schram concluded the talk with his own reflections on the role Compass has played in their family’s success.

“Without Compass, I don’t think that we could have done it. We didn’t expect to get as much help as we did. [Daughter] Mia gave us the strength we needed to keep going and Compass gave us the tools, the stability and the resources that we needed to make things happen."

Thanks to our sponsors

Compass would like to acknowledge the generosity of our corporate and individual sponsors who made this year’s event a success:

Life Changer

The McKenzie Foundation of San Francisco

Dream Makers

Martha Conte

Kathy & Rick Kimball

Anne & Michael Parish

Julie & Will Parish

Katie & Todd Traina

Advent Software

California Pacific Medical Center

Qatalyst Partners

Wells Fargo

Goal Achievers

Barbee & Bruce Callander

Robert Daoro

Alison & Peter Engel

Barbara & Bill Hazen

Stephanie & Bill Mellin

Crecera Finance Company

Credit Suisse

DZH Phillips

Home Stabilizers

Lisa & Del Christensen

Jessica & Steve Galloway

Beth & James Gassel

Diane Larrabee

Lisa Odyniec & John Donovan

Karen & Christopher Wagner

Union Bank