Compass Health has made strides in enhancing the well-being of youth in San Juan County through its Camp and Recreational Activities project. This initiative, funded by a grant from the San Juan Island Community Foundation, aims to support children and youth engaged in the organization’s family programs by covering costs associated with camp tuition, fees, and transportation.
The original objective was to enable 30-50 children and youth to participate in various recreational activities throughout 2024, complementing their mental health treatment and supporting overall wellness. Despite an unexpected dip in summertime engagement within their outpatient and WISe programs, the project’s goals remain steadfast. Compass Health has adapted creatively, utilizing the funds to support wellness in other ways that meet the youth community’s needs, such as facilitating a gym membership during the summer break.
Though the number of beneficiaries has been lower than initially anticipated, the importance of the project has not diminished. Compass Health Director, Jeff Patterson, notes, “While the numbers of children and youth served by this grant have been less than anticipated in its early stages, we anticipate that having access to camps and recreational activities will continue to have a significant impact on their engagement and overall life outcomes, which is what we’ve seen historically.”
The project has also positively affected organizational morale, empowering staff members with the resources to provide exceptional support to their clients. The team at Compass Health remains committed to maximizing the grant’s impact, planning to increase participation as families settle into the school year and learn more about the services Compass Health offers to local students.
As Compass Health continues to navigate the challenges and changes in program engagement, they are optimistic about the future. The flexibility allowed by the grant has enabled them to maintain focus on the core objective—enhancing the lives of children and youth through meaningful recreational activities.
“We are encouraging our staff to think outside the box about how we can use these funds to benefit the wellness of our clients,” says Patterson.
Compass Health’s dedication to supporting the holistic well-being of children and youth in San Juan County exemplifies a deep commitment to community health. The camp and recreational activities project not only fosters positive developmental outcomes but also strengthens the community fabric by ensuring the younger generation receives the support they need to thrive.
Want to Make a Difference?
For more information on how you can play a part in expanding vital programs across our community, please reach out to us at (360) 378-1001 or visit our office at 640 Mullis Street, Suite 104.
Together, we can build a brighter future for all islanders.