By Kate Blach, Philanthropy Director, Spinsters of San Francisco & Madeleine Lemos, Communications Manager, Compass Family Services
Spinsters helped wrap up and distribute gifts for the Compass Adopt-a-Family Drive this past holiday season
Though the Spinsters of San Francisco has been around as an organization for 93 years, its philanthropic history began in 1957, fundraising for Travelers Aid San Francisco. Travelers Aid was established in 1914 and provided assistance to the 18.5 million newcomers who visited the city of San Francisco for the 1915 World’s Fair. Continuing to support vulnerable populations in the city, it has since evolved to Compass Family Services. The 2022-23 Spinsters year marks the first time since that initial partnership that Spinsters is partnering with Compass once again.
Compass Family Services supports families experiencing homelessness and those who are at-risk to become stably housed, emotionally and physically healthy, and economically self-sufficient. Compass serves over 6,500 parents and children throughout San Francisco, providing comprehensive, personalized, wrap-around services to support families as they find housing solutions and develop the tools to secure positive impacts that last. 96% of Compass families achieve housing stability and long-term success.
Spinsters has supported Compass through numerous ways over the last year. As an organization, members have raised $3,200 in contributions for Compass’ Halloween Costume Drive and Adopt-a-Family Program to spread holiday cheer to their families. For many families, these were the only gifts and costumes they would receive during the holiday season. Active members have volunteered their time through event support, playground duty, serving dinner and wrapping gifts at the Compass Family Shelter, distributing gifts during Adopt-a-Family, and much more.
Spinsters and other volunteers at Compass Family Day
Spinsters wrapping gifts at the Compass Family Shelter for the Adopt-a-Family Drive
“I remember taking the tour of the facility and learning about all the essential services Compass provides, and I knew I wanted to do what I could to contribute,” said Carolyn Smith, Spinsters Co-Chair for Volunteer Events and Outreach. “I love that their mission is to provide a stepping stone to stable housing. It’s uplifting that San Francisco has this resource, where people can come together to do good. I know the time I spent sorting clothing donations is only a tiny contribution, but it makes me happy to think that I made it a little easier for someone to access something families need.”
We’re excited to continue our partnership and look forward to more opportunities to volunteer, fundraise, and support each other!
Spinsters Philanthropy Director Kate Blach and Volunteer Events and Outreach Co-Chairs Angel Chen and Carolyn Smith helped organize donations at the Compass Service Hub at 37 Grove
If you want to support Compass, Spinsters will be hosting its annual Legacy Benefit on Saturday, March 11 at the Fairmont San Francisco Swig Suite. Proceeds will go towards supporting Compass’ mission of ending family homelessness, and tickets include an open bar, appetizers, a silent auction, live music, and more!
Compass will also be hosting its 2023 Spring Benefit on Wednesday, April 19th at The Hibernia. You can support Compass directly by purchasing tickets or sponsorships, as well as making a donation directly on the Spring Benefit website.
Learn more about Compass’ impact on families in the Bay Area in this video.