Our Remarkable Story
Compassion Planet began with a simple but powerful moment: a young man named Marvin facing homelessness just weeks after aging out of foster care. With no programs available to support him, our founders, Scott and Jacquie Flanagan, opened their one-bedroom apartment and walked alongside him—helping him find a job, learn life skills, and step into independence. What started as one act of compassion became the foundation for something much greater.
In 2012, that vision grew into Compassion Planet. Today, we are empowering aged-out foster youth and young adults from at-risk backgrounds across Placer and Sacramento Counties through our Mentoring Program. Youth ages 18–24 receive hands-on job training, life-skills education, and trauma-informed coaching—equipping them with the tools, confidence, and support system needed to achieve lasting independence.
The impact is real. More than 160 young adults have graduated from our program, with over 92% now living in healthy independence—working, housing themselves, and building stable futures. As we continue to grow, we now have the capacity to serve up to 72 youth annually across our expanding campuses.
Our commitment doesn’t end at graduation. Through our lifelong Aftercare Program, we stay connected—offering ongoing coaching, community events, and support through life’s challenges. We are also working to expand access to affordable housing, helping youth build credit, rental history, and long-term stability.
At Compassion Planet, we believe transformation happens when community shows up. Together, we are not just helping young adults get by—we are empowering them to thrive.
We empower aged-out foster youth and youth from at-risk backgrounds to achieve independence, by overcoming personal obstacles, becoming employable, and reaching their fullest potential.
The Need for Transformation
In our region, too many young adults aging out of foster care or coming from at-risk backgrounds are stepping into adulthood without the support systems most of us take for granted. Without guidance, stable employment, or access to mental health resources, many face cycles of instability that are difficult to break.
At Compassion Planet, we see this need every day. In 2026 alone, we are positioned to serve up to 65 young adults—each one with the potential to thrive, but in need of the right support, structure, and opportunity to get there.
These young adults don’t just need a job—they need preparation. They need hands-on experience, mentorship, and real-world training that builds confidence and consistency. That’s why our Mentoring Program provides 1,100 to 3,200 hours of workforce development through paid internships, career workshops, and training across industries like trades, technology, culinary arts, and more.
But employment readiness is only part of the need. Many of the youth we serve are carrying the weight of trauma, anxiety, and instability. Without consistent mental health support, these challenges can become barriers to long-term success. Through weekly one-on-one coaching with licensed professionals, we help young adults develop resilience, emotional stability, and the tools needed to move forward.
In addition, many youth lack access to basic life skills, professional guidance, and certifications required to enter the workforce. Through Compass Classes, career coaching, and certifications like OSHA 10, CPR, and ServSafe, we help close these gaps and prepare them for sustainable independence.
And even after completing a program, the need doesn’t disappear. Without ongoing connection and support, many young adults risk falling back into isolation or instability. That’s why our Aftercare Program provides lifelong community, coaching, housing support, and emergency resources—ensuring no one has to navigate adulthood alone.
Meeting the Need: Big Day of Giving 2026
Our goal is to raise $15,000 to directly meet these critical needs for the young adults we serve:
SPARKS Workshop Training ($5,000)
Expanding access to career exploration and hands-on training in high-demand fields.
Mental Health Coaching ($5,000)
Providing consistent, trauma-informed support to help youth overcome barriers and build stability.
Workforce Development Internships ($5,000)
Creating paid opportunities for youth to gain real-world experience, certifications, and employability skills.
Compassion Planet is committed to building a culture that embraces inclusion, diversity, and individual uniqueness. Our relational-based programs foster a place where everyone feels welcome and a sense of belonging. We strive to cultivate growth through mutual respect, unconditional love, empathy, team building, and encouragement. We also aim to see everyone in our organization find opportunities to grow, advance, and celebrate each other's successes.
Organization name
Compassion Planet
2012
Mission Category
Youth Development
Operating Budget
$1,000,001-$5 million
Organization Need
Funding: Program, Funding: Unrestricted, Volunteers, Other
Demographics Served
Youth & Children, Low-income individuals/families, LGBTQIA+
Local Counties Served
Placer, Sacramento
Equity Statement
Equity Statement
Address
5465 Pacific StreetRocklin, CA, US
Roseville, CA, US
Placer, CA, US
Sacramento, CA, US
Loomis, CA, US, 95650