Across the spectrum of programs and services at Compass Mark there are moving stories of personal success: a mother finding a way to afford help for her daughter; a grandmother finding her path as a caregiver for a child with an incarcerated parent; a young person seeing hope and a way out of addiction.
Below are several reflections and personal testimonials that illustrate the impact of our work.
Information and Referral
From a caller:
“I just wanted you to know my brother was accepted into rehab today. The local counselor you referred us to really helped us out. It’s been a very long 16 days and I realize this is not going to be an easy fix but I’m so grateful he is with people who know how to help. Thanks again!”
From a staff member:
“I took a help call this month from a single mother of a 15 year-old girl. She recently found out that her daughter has been drinking just about every day, and in addition to taking in that news, she found, calling around for treatment, that her deductible was $4,000. She was so overwhelmed that by the time she thought to call me, she was on the verge of hopelessness.
She had called marketers she found on the Internet, and they were encouraging her to take out loans to pay for the treatment. When she found out that the County may consider covering the deductible, she broke down. Just the possibility that there was hope for treatment for her daughter dissolved her into sobs.
When she was finally able to speak, we made a plan for her to schedule an outpatient assessment for her, and she confessed that she’d been operating on automatic pilot all day, not able to think clearly about her next move. I continue to learn more about how families cope with addiction, and this was a good reminder of how important a listening ear can be.”[divider type=”1″]
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Family Services Advocate
From a staff member:
“Grandmother (Judy) was distraught when her daughter overdosed and almost died. It brings her to tears every time she talks about how her granddaughter found her mother on the floor, and had to call the ambulance. Judy does everything she possibly can to take care of her granddaughter, but she realized very quickly how difficult this is to do.
Judy reached out to the family advocate to get a temporary guardianship agreement that would allow her to get health insurance for her granddaughter, as well as get her into therapy, so that she would have someone to help her process this situation. Judy explained to the family advocate that she was on a very limited income, and didn’t think that she would be able to pay for the summer camp that her granddaughter was looking forward to.
Through the Advocate’s work, a sponsor was located, and Judy’s granddaughter was able to attend two weeks of summer camp. Now Judy’s daughter is back in the home and working on her recovery, as well as making up for lost time with her daughter.”[divider type=”1″]
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Future Generations
From a youth participant:
“Future Generations (FG) has given me a second home with an amazing extended family. The relationships I have built through this program have set up lifelong friendships and given me memories and experiences that I wouldn’t have been able to have without this program. Future Generations has given me a confidence in myself and the decisions I make. I know that I will be a leader someday. . . and I have FG to thank for that.”[divider type=”1″]
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Student Skills for Life
From a youth participant:
“I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate you and the work you are doing. When I was in your class, I didn’t feel like someone who screwed up my life like my parents made me feel. I know they are just being protective, but when I was listening and talking with you, I felt like I was an equal and that was something that I needed. I was open about my severe depression and anxiety during class, and the thing that helped me get through that course whilst also having a fun time.
I thought it was really considerate and amazing that you shared your personal experiences with drugs and alcohol with us. You were able to educate while also engaging with me in a way that no one else has. No one has ever conversed with me with such respect and understanding in regards to drugs.”