March Compassion Update

March Compassion Update

by | Mar 26, 2025 | News

Organizational Overview

Capital Compassion continues to advance its mission of eradicating food insecurity, supporting homeless initiatives, assisting refugees, and providing job training for adults with special needs. Our mission centers on restoring dignity to vulnerable individuals through practical assistance and empowerment programs.

Program Highlights – January through February of 2025

Food Security Initiative

Food insecurity affects millions of Americans, including working families, seniors, and children. Capital Compassion’s food distribution reaches many in need, breaking the cycle of hunger that prevents individuals from thriving.

JAN-FEB 2025

· 58 first time housed guests

· 298 bags of groceries provided to housed guests

· 42 first time unhoused guests

· 319 bags of groceries provided to unhoused guests

Homelessness Support

By addressing the root causes of homelessness and offering comprehensive support services, we help individuals rebuild their lives with dignity. Our homelessness case management provides pathways to stable housing.

JAN-FEB 2025

· Achieved housing placements for 7 individuals

· Implemented comprehensive case management

· Provided food for 153 unhoused individuals

Refugee Assistance

Refugees face enormous challenges when resettling. Our partnership with World Vision, as well as 45 local non-profit partners, enables us to resource refugee families with critical household goods and supplies.

JAN-FEB 2025

· Provided household goods for several non-profits serving refugee families

· Provided groceries and diapers for 30 refugee families

Special Needs Job Training

Adults with special needs often face significant barriers to meaningful employment. Our job training programs develop skills creating pathways to independence and self-sufficiency.

JAN-FEB 2025

· Provided individualized training opportunities 2 days a week for a special needs adult

· Provided once a week training for a group of 6-8 special needs adults

Success Stories

    Our dignified approach continues to transform lives. Here are just a few examples:

    Michael was successfully placed in a tiny home for transitional housing. We continue to serve him once a week with food and case management toward job acquisition and permanent housing.

    Johnnie was mentored for building a resume and submitting job applications. He secured a job after a few years of homelessness. He secured permanent supportive housing and continues to check in for support in his case management.

    Ken had been homeless for the past 30 years. He developed a meth addiction to cope with the challenges of life. He started coming to our office once a week for food and found a loving, welcoming environment. After three months of regular visits, Ken announced he was ready for a change. We assisted him in applying for acceptance into a 90 day rehab program with Wellspace. Ken completed the rehab, was placed into housing, and is scheduled for medical services with the VA. He will then be placed into VA housing. In this process of recovery, Ken reconnected with his mother and brother. Ken did not know if his mother was still living and she wondered the same about him. It had been more than 20 years since they had communicated with each other. They are now reunited and celebrating a new chapter in life of sobriety and purpose. There is so much more to this story that is filled with miracles.

    Isiah is a 21 year old who came to us searching for connection. His mother is an addict who has been unable to provide any stability. He has been homeless and couch surfing for several months. He visits our office almost daily, finding this a place of acceptance and unconditional love. We have helped him update his resume for job interviews. This week, we were able to connect him to his father who lives in the Palm Springs area and has a job ready for him and a place to stay. We were able to provide transportation for him via Greyhound and he is connecting to a new season in life with hope and possibilities.

    The Dignity Difference

    What distinguishes Capital Compassion is our unwavering commitment to dignity. We recognize that effective assistance must preserve personal agency and respect. Our efforts are designed not to create dependency, but to empower individuals toward independence.

     

    Looking Forward

    In the coming quarter, we are focusing on:

    Transitioning to a larger space that will enable us to increase our services

    *Moving date TBD May/June 2025

    Our new location enables us to add showers and laundry to our services

    Adding respite center space for case management

    Provide additional job training opportunities for special needs adults

    Expand food services for those with food insecurity

    Thank You

    Since our beginning in September of 2023, we have had 200+ donors to Capital Compassion.  Thank you for believing in the mission and for helping us provide life transforming assistance to hundreds of people in need.  Your gifts are reaping eternal results.  With every person we touch, our vision is renewed to provide love and significant resources for each person God brings our way. We are able to do this because of you, and, we would not be able to it without you.

    We are committed to increasing our communication to you in reporting the miracles we experience. As we transition into our new and improved facility, we will organize our donors into levels that will allow us to provide you with tangible touch points to encourage you regarding the impact of your generosity. The information below describes our commitment to you.

    Financial Support Request 

    For those following our journey or perhaps just learning about Capital Compassion, I invite you to join the family of support.  We would love for you to become one of our partners and join the Capital Compassion family.  There are links on each category below that will take you to the site where you can join our efforts financially.  Thank you for having a heart for those who are significantly challenged in their life experience.  Each one is precious to God and to us.

    Your investment in Capital Compassion yields tangible community benefits: 

    • Reduced food insecurity for vulnerable populations 
    • Decreased homelessness and increased housing stability 
    • Successful integration of refugees into the community 
    • Increased life purpose for adults with special needs 

     Every dollar contributed translates directly into services that transform lives while strengthening our community. 

    Conclusion 

    By supporting Capital Compassion, you’re not just addressing immediate needs—you’re investing in sustainable solutions that restore dignity and create lasting change. Thank you for joining with us to build a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

     

    INTRODUCING: Individual Donor Giving Opportunities

    Compassion Starter

    Monthly Support
    $5-24

    • Impact: Provides daily essentials

    • • One shower and access to community closet
    • • One-week groceries for unhoused individual

    • Benefits:

    • • Monthly email impact update 

    Compassion Builder

    Monthly Support
    $25-49

    • Impact: Supports critical services

    • • Two weeks of groceries for unhoused individual
    • • Two showers + access to community closet
    • • Case management assistance

    • Benefits:

    • • All Starter benefits, plus
    • • Quarterly newsletter
    • • Exclusive video stories

    Compassion Ally

    Monthly Support
    $50-99

    • Impact: Enables comprehensive support

    • • One month of groceries for unhoused individual
    • • Case management assistance

    • Benefits:

    • • All Builder benefits, plus:
    • • Invitation to annual donor appreciation event

    Compassion Partner

    Monthly Support
    $100-249

    • Impact: Provides sustained intervention

    • • One month of groceries for unhoused individual
    • • One week of groceries for a housed family
    • • Case management
    • • ID document assistance

    • Benefits:

    • • All Ally benefits, plus:
    • • Recognition on donor wall

    Compassion Champion

    Monthly Support
    $250-499

    • Impact: Supports full recovery journey

    • • Three months of groceries for unhoused individual
    • • One month of groceries for housed family
    • • Case management
    • • Housing transition assistance

    • Benefits:

    • • All Partner benefits, plus:
    • • Personal tour of facilities
    • • Priority event invitations

    Compassion Founder

    Monthly Support
    $500-999

    • Impact: Enables systemic change

    • • Six months groceries for unhoused individual
    • • Three months groceries for housed family
    • • Case management
    • • Showers and Laundry services

    • Benefits:

    • • All Champion benefits, plus:
    • • Named recognition opportunities
    • • Annual strategic impact briefing

    Compassion Catalyst

    Monthly Support
    $1000 +

    • Impact: Transforms Community Infrastructure

    • • One year groceries for unhoused individual
    • • Six months groceries for housed family
    • • Supports long-term systemic change programs
    • • Enables job training and education initiatives

    • Benefits:

    • • All Founder benefits, plus:
    • • Exclusive annual dinner with Executive Director
    • • Naming opportunity for specific program or initiative
    • • Direct consultation on strategic program development
    • • Exclusive leadership roundtable
    • • Premium recognition in all organizational communications
    • • Distinguished leadership recognition plaque
    Donate Today

    Creating Lasting Change Together

    Creating Lasting Change Together

    by | Dec 20, 2024 | News

    2024 Year in Review

    As we close out the year, we at Capital Compassion are filled with gratitude as we reflect on the profound impact your generosity has made. Because of your support, countless lives have been touched through essential services, compassionate care, and opportunities for lasting change. Together, we’ve brought hope where it was needed most, strengthened communities, and created pathways toward brighter futures. Thank you for being such an integral part of our mission—your kindness continues to inspire and uplift those we serve.

    In 2024, we’ve seen extraordinary progress:

    • Number of first-time guests registered at our site in 2024 – 527
    • Food Bags given to housed families with food insecurity – 1,417
    • Cost of Housed Food Bag: $25.00 x 1417 = $35,425.00
    • Food bags given to unhoused persons – 1,547
    • Cost of Unhoused Bags: $16 x 1547 = $24,752.00
    • Number of diaper packages given – 425 (most of whom are refugee families)
    • Number of ID Vouchers issued – 13 since November (we qualified in November to assist the County with vouchers for the unhoused to secure ID’s)
    • POD (Point of Distribution) Partners- 45

    • World Vision Truckloads received – 17

    • Value of Goods given through our POD Partners and to our walk-in guests – $510,000.00

    • Homeless Outreaches to unhoused encampments downtown: 7

    • Volunteers throughout the year: 451 volunteer check ins

    • Volunteer hours served – 1,353 hours

    • First Grant awarded in December: $17,315.80

      COUNTY PARTNERSHIPS

    • Qualified for access to the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) database: HMIS is a HUD-compliant database used to gather demographic data and record services provided to clients who are homeless or at risk of being homeless in Sacramento and Yolo County. We are now able to track every guest we serve and guide them through other services available for their care.

    • Access to Benefitscal.com: Now qualified to assist persons to access Cal Fresh/EBT cards – 8 persons assisted in December

    As we look ahead to 2025, we will be adding space to provide showers and laundry service which will allow us to serve the unhoused in transition with increased dignity and effectiveness. We are committed to expanding our reach, increasing our impact, and ensuring that every person we serve has the support they need to thrive. And we need your help to do it.

    This holiday season, we invite you to make a special year-end gift to Capital Compassion. Your donation—no matter the size—helps us continue to provide food, education, supplies, and empowerment to vulnerable individuals and families across our community. Every contribution will directly support our programs, ensuring that more lives are transformed through compassion and care.

    We have learned so much over the past twelve months. Every week we are assisting our unhoused guests with acquiring ID’s, EBT cards, connections to rehab programs for drug and alcohol addiction, resume building, job applications, and access to transitional housing opportunities.

    Here’s how your gift will make a difference:

    · $50 provides a month’s worth of food for an unhoused guest.

    · $100 provides four housed families with two weeks of food per month.

    · $500 provides emergency shelter and case management services for an unhoused guest.

    · $1,000 funds a World Vision semi-truck delivery that allows us to provide $30,000 worth of household goods to refugee families and others in need.

    Please consider making a tax-deductible gift before December 31st to take advantage of year-end giving opportunities. You can donate online at here or send a check to Capital Compassion at PO Box 276267, Sacramento, CA 95827.

    Your generosity has already created lasting change, but there’s so much more we can achieve together. On behalf of everyone at Capital Compassion, thank you for believing in our mission and for being a source of light and hope for this Christmas season.

     Wishing you a joyful Christmas and New Year filled with compassion, kindness, and possibility.

    With gratitude,

    Rick Cole
    Executive Director
    Capital Compassion

    Crystal Molnar
    Director of Operations

    Laine Alves
    Director of Outreach and Community Collaboration

    Lisa Berry
    Director of Development

     

    Donate Today
    Holiday Hours

    This Giving Tuesday . . .

    This Giving Tuesday . . .

    by | Dec 3, 2024 | News

    GIVING TUESDAY . . . Help Us Lift Up Our Sacramento family!

    Today, December 3rd, we invite you to be part of something truly meaningful and transformational. Capital Compassion is dedicated to providing critical assistance to the underserved individuals and families right here in Sacramento—those who need it most. This Giving Tuesday, your support can help transform lives.

    ❤️ With your donation, we can:

    • Provide food and essential resources to families and individuals in crisis
    • Support mental health and wellness programs for those struggling to cope
    • Empower individuals with mentorship to break the cycle of homelessness

    Sacramento’s broken souls need us—and we need you. Every dollar you give goes directly to helping people in need, making a real difference where it’s needed most. Food, household supplies, refugee families assistance, next steps to employment, next steps to transitional and permanent housing.

    Every day we are helping individuals secure the tools necessary to move forward. From securing an ID, to an EBT card, to a phone, to writing a resume, to applying for jobs, to entering a rehab program, to moving up the list of available transitional and permanent housing. This work is inspiring and fulfilling.

    TRUTHS THAT GUIDE ME

    Isaiah 55:8-9 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

    Ephesians 2:10 “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

    Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

    KEN’S STORY

     Ken came through our door three months ago. He returned once a week and developed a trust in the help we were providing. Three weeks ago he said, “I’m ready for rehab.” He has lived with a meth addiction for 38 years and has lived on the streets, separated from his family, for more than two decades. We were able to place him in a 90-day program and he is thriving there. We are working toward placing him in a faith-based life transformation program when he completes rehab. Like many of the guests we are serving at Capital Compassion, Ken has become family to us. Ken’s word to us after detoxing, “I can’t thank you enough for getting me in here. I love you all.” 

    How much goodness and beauty can you create in the world today? This is what we were made for. Let’s do this together! Greater impact is ahead!!

    👐 Your gift can change lives. Together, we can build a stronger, more compassionate Sacramento.

    🔗 Donate today and make a lasting impact!

    Thank you for being a champion of compassion in Sacramento. Your generosity on this Giving Tuesday helps us continue to serve those who need it most.

    Pastor Rick Cole
    Executive Director

     

    Donate Today
    Holiday Hours

    New Food Pantry Hours Beginning December 2024

    New Food Pantry Hours Beginning December 2024

    by | Nov 15, 2024 | News

    New Food Distribution Hours

    9am-12pm |Monday-Thursday
    *Beginning December 2024

    Make sure to adjust your plans to accommodate these changes. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to serving you during these times.

    Additional Holiday Closures

    We encourage you to plan your visits around these dates that we will be closed. 

    Thanksgiving Week (11/25-29)
    Christmas Week (12/23-27)
    New Years Week (12/30-1/3/25)

    Food Distribution

    Our food distribution program is designed to support both sheltered and unsheltered guests.

    Are you Sheltered? 
    Our guests who are currently shelterd can receive one bag of nonperishable food per household, per month.

    Are you Unsheltered? 
    Our guests who are unsheltered can receive one bag of nonperishable food weekly.

    Diaper Distribution

    We do limit diapers to one package per household per month. This policy helps us manage resources effectively while ensuring that as many families as possible can benefit from our services.

    We provide diapers to families in need, with a limit of one package per household each month. This service is available daily to ensure that families have access to necessary supplies. Our goal is to support families by alleviating some of the financial burdens associated with childcare essentials.

    What to Expect

    Sheltered Guests
    We ask that first-time guests arrive with a photo ID and a list of all household members with birthdays. This information helps us better understand how much food your household needs and is collected for reporting and statistical purposes only.

    Unsheltered Guests
    There are no residency or ID requirements or limitations for guests experiencing homelessness.

    Download New Hour Flier
    Compassion & Generosity Update 11/14/24

    Compassion & Generosity Update 11/14/24

    by | Nov 14, 2024 | News

    The Power of Compassion and Generosity:
    Transforming Lives Through Love and Action

    Compassion and generosity are deeply interconnected qualities that reflect our ability to empathize with others and offer support, whether emotionally or materially. Here’s how they relate:

    Compassion

    Compassion is the ability to feel for someone who is suffering or facing difficulty. It goes beyond sympathy—compassion involves a genuine desire to ease the pain or hardship of others. It’s a kind of emotional responsiveness that often leads to action, because true compassion compels us to do something to help.

    Compassion manifests in various ways:

    • Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of another person.
    • Kindness: A willingness to act kindly to alleviate someone’s distress.
    • Patience: Giving others the time or space they need when going through difficult moments.

    Generosity

    Generosity is the act of giving, whether it’s time, resources, or energy, without expecting anything in return. It’s not just about material wealth, but also about sharing one’s attention, understanding, or love with others. Generosity can be seen in many forms:

    • Material generosity: Donating money, goods, or services to help others.
    • Emotional generosity: Offering love, encouragement, or simply being present for someone in need.
    • Time generosity: Giving one’s time and energy to support others, even when it requires personal sacrifice.

    How They Intersect

    • Compassion fuels generosity: When we are moved by someone else’s suffering or challenges, compassion often prompts us to be generous in our responses—whether through acts of kindness, offering resources, or providing emotional support.
    • Generosity nurtures compassion: The more we practice generosity, the more we open ourselves to the needs of others, which deepens our empathy and understanding of their struggles. Generosity is not just about material giving, but it can also be an expression of compassionate connection.

    Compassion is the emotional foundation, and generosity is the practical expression of that emotion. When we act generously out of compassion, it can create a ripple effect, demonstrating the love of Jesus and leading others to follow Him.

    Capital Compassion is a special place to invest your resources through generosity.

    Yesterday I sat with John who walked through our door looking for help. He had been here on other occasions receiving food and supplies. This time, he said, “I’m ready to do what it takes to get off the street.” We started the process to get his ID, EBT card (food stamps), a phone, and an assessment with County services to be placed on a housing list. While talking with John, another man came in who had recently been placed in a tiny home for shelter but was still needing food and the spiritual and emotional support we provide. As I talked with John and Alfredo, I found emotion stirring in my soul. The three components of compassion were at work. Empathy . . . as I understood the challenges they were facing I began to share the feelings they were sharing with me. Kindness . . . the willingness to act kindly to alleviate their distress was bursting inside my heart. Patience . . . providing the time to walk this out over days, weeks, and months and the space to grow step by step.

    Lives are being changed through Capital Compassion. Our team of volunteers make it possible for our reach to be broad and profound. With 45 partner organizations accessing the goods and services we provide, the impact is compounded. The individuals and families accessing our food pantry, diaper provisions, tents, clothes, hygiene kits, etc. continues to grow daily. Our vision is growing and the opportunities are vast. Every person we touch, like John and Alfredo, our eternal reward increases.

    We need your help in generosity. Thank you for all you have done in the past year to establish this expression of Jesus’ love in our city. As Thanksgiving approaches, it is a wonderful time to express our gratitude to God for His blessings by sharing from those blessings to help others.

     I am praying for you to be blessed in these days of opportunity. In fact, I will leave the Blessing I shared at the end our services at Capital with you today:

    Be blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and clear direction for life.

    Be blessed with creativity, courage, ability and abundance.

    Be blessed with self-control and self-discipline.

    Be blessed with a great family, good friends and good health.

    Be blessed with faith, favor and fulfillment.

    Be blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection.

    Be blessed with an obedient heart and a positive outlook on life.

    Be blessed in the city and in the country, when you go in and when you come out.

    Any negative word that has ever been spoken over you is broken right now.

    Everything you put your hand to will prosper and succeed.

    Have a blessed day,

    Pastor Rick

    Psalm 86:15 “But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.”

    Donate Today