Support our Special Education Advocacy among other vital services with your donation!

Jessica is a bright and smiling 4 year-old much of the time – but at school she often kicks and bites, and hits her head against the wall repeatedly.  Her mom is struggling to accept that her daughter needs a diagnosis and the school has had to restrain Jessica, sometimes hurting her. Jessica’s mom, Sandy, called COMPASS and over the last 2 months our advocate has helped Sandy accept that Jessica needs treatment and worked with the school so that they train their staff in how to interact with Jessica’s behaviors.

Today I’m asking you to help children like Jessica by donating toward our services.

Why is this service important?

• Many of the support services children with disabilities or special conditions receive are provided by their Individualized Education Program (IEP) through their school.
• The laws that guide this process can be complex and confusing.
• Parents need help in collaborating with the schools and professionals to advocate for their child.

Why does COMPASS need your help?

• State budget cuts have ended education advocacy services previously provided for free to families
• We are the only organization in San Diego County that offers advocacy on a sliding fee scale for as low as $35 per hour; private advocates charge as much as $250 per hour.
• We are inundated with phone calls and our ability to serve families is outstripped by capacity

How does COMPASS help families?

• Parents are informed about their rights and those of their child, and receive personalized assistance
• Children with special needs receive more appropriate IEPs with individualized goals
• Our advocacy internship at COMPASS prepares, educates and trains better special education advocates; they are all graduates of USD’s Special Education Advocacy Certificate Program

We could provide many more hours of service with your support:

• For every $50 you give, a family receives a free one-hour consultation with an advocate.
• For every $200 you give, a family receives full support, follow-up and guidance to develop and implement an appropriate and lasting IEP.

COMPASS is dedicated to supporting families caring for a child or adult with special needs. Many of our services are offered free of charge, and others are offered at greatly reduced costs on a sliding fee scale. Through the generosity of individuals such as yourself, we are able to continue providing these services to families.

More than 70% of our income comes from donors and individuals, with the rest comprised of grant support and fees generated from services and training. During this difficult economic climate, we understand that donors are becoming more selective about the organizations they choose to support.

We hope you will consider supporting the COMPASS Family Center through a tax-deductible gift of any amount or by volunteering for our organization. Your support will reduce stress for parents, increase coping and empowerment, ultimately resulting in families and children that are better adjusted, receive better care and become happy and healthy members of our community.

Quicklinks to:

• Volunteer Opportunities
• Board of Directors
• Ambassador Program
• Donor Recognition