"Thank you for bringing your ( COMPASS ) program to our facility and involving our women in a class that teaches positive choices and values. .The program has benefited not only the residents, but the staff as well by adding another dimension. It also fits well with the program already in place at the Center since it emphasizes honesty, integrity, personal responsibility and communication skills. .Your program is a great addition to any program and has tremendous impact, as well as the flexibility to be used by a variety of different types of audiences." Brenda Walters, Community Development Manager, Walden House, Women & Children's Program, El Monte (a residential program for women parolees with histories of substance abuse), July 2000

"It's got everything; it takes the best of everything and puts it all together.Using the Facilitator's Guide makes it easy to teach. The Guide presents the suggestions and information in an easy-to-follow, step-by-step manner.(The clients are) really receptive. They really get into it and they'll start talking about their experiences. They probably participate more in the COMPASS class than in any other class that we teach here." Rick Rangel, Counselor, Walden House, Men's Program, Los Angeles (a residential program for men parolees), September 2001

"(The COMPASS program) comes from a different approach from the regular, typical recovery and behavior program that we present, and (the clients) really enjoyed it. I think it breaks the monotony. They enjoyed the group participation, the involvement, the collages and the video. It's an excellent film to deal with not only recovery but with life skills. To make you think.(With the COMPASS curriculum) you are talking about general life but it's still about the consequences and the life choices someone makes and the goals and following things through. I fully believe that this program will be a welcome addition to any criminal justice or recovery program." Wayne Garcia, Program Director, Walden House, Men's Program, Los Angeles (a residential program for men parolees), August 2001

"This program is packed with information. Many of our girls spoke of new knowledge related to goal setting and communication skills. Many still utilize this information in their interactions with their peers. I had more participation with this group than other programs we offer. It's hands on, peer participation and activity driven. With some other groups offered, they tend to get lost in the video instruction or workbook process. For the first time in a long time, they were excited about the homework despite all the other responsibilities they had. " Beth Porter, Women's Program Manager, Skyway House, January 2003