Why are we joining forces?

South Santa Clara County residents experiencing poverty and homelessness have relied on both St. Joseph’s Family Center, and South County Compassion Center for support and relief over many decades. We want to build on that strength, as our current agencies’ work complements rather than duplicates the offerings of the other. 

Through this deliberate collaborative arrangement, any South County resident struggling with poverty will now be able to rely on a year-round, low-barrier resource to meet their immediate needs. This will be done with comprehensive safety-net support, linkages and connectivity to permanent supportive-housing and broaden the pathways to lasting stability. 

Partnering in this way also allows us to share resources to build our capacity, attract deeper engagement from volunteers and donors, increase self-care and professional development among our staff members and increase the depth and impact of our programing

As a current agency client, volunteer, or donor, what will change for me?

Very little change will happen immediately. All programs will continue current operations. We will serve our clients in the same manner, by the same staff and volunteers, and at the same locations as before. Donors and stakeholders will have an equal opportunity to invest in the same work that has inspired them to give in the past, while also having an opportunity to make an even greater impact through investments toward any new programs that are developed through our combined services/agency. Additionally, new opportunities will arise for volunteers so they can also deepen their involvement and impact.

We will become South County’s home-grown, single-source solution to those individuals and families who struggle with poverty. We will offer a variety of opportunities to the South County community to assist us to that end.

Will there be a name change?

Initially, we will operate in the community under our respective names, in order to provide some continuity to all our stakeholders. Over the next 6-18 months, we will strategically work on the legal aspects of creating a new, combined agency. A new agency name may be created in order to clarify our work and position in the South County area. Any new branding will be done with thoughtfulness and the desire to honor both agencies' legacy.

Are any services or programs going away?

No. Since we currently provide different services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness and poverty, our current program offerings are still needed.

Some administrative roles/positions might be created, in order to build capacity? Some programs may work toward a streamlining of funds and services, like the Homeless Prevention that both agencies perform. Again, the goal is to keep things the same and make minor adjustments that best serve our communities and partners.

What does “joining together” mean?

St. Joseph’s Family Center and South County Compassion Center are joining together to merge our operations and administrative functions and harness our collective resources. This will be accomplished through legally joining our 501c3 entities.

St. Joseph’s Family Center and the South County Compassion Center feel our operations, administrative functions, and collective resources can enhance the wellbeing of our collective mission. By harnessing the strengths of each agency, we can solidify our work in South County and provide more meaningful connections to our clients, volunteers, and staff.

What will happen to St. Joseph’s and Compassion Center programs?

We want to reassure everyone that the services and programs of St. Joseph’s Family Center and South County Compassion Center are not going anywhere—in fact, through our newly formed collaboration, those services and programs can now expand and shift to best meet the needs of low-income residents of South Santa Clara County. We can also imagine new ways to do this work, ways that make the most of our resources and meet our clients where they are.

Both organizations will also maintain their website functionality (St. Joseph’s Family Center and South County Compassion Center). Also, our contact information—for both agencies and agency staff—will also remain the same. Our commitment to creating low-barrier pathways to support will not only remain, we hope to streamline and strengthen avenues to service through our combined agency approach.

What will happen to St. Joseph’s and Compassion Center staff?

David Cox, St. Joseph’s current Executive Director, will serve as the combined agency Executive Director throughout the transition process. David’s leadership will continue during the integration and will oversee all of St. Joseph’s current programming. The Compassion Center’s Executive Director, Tim Davis, will serve as the new agency’s Deputy Director, will oversee all of the Compassion Center’s programing, and will step in as the new agency’s Executive Director following the integration period, and David’s retirement.

Current staff of both agencies will either retain their current roles, and some will be offered elevated roles within the new agency. The goal is to minimize disruption to the regular operations and staffing.

As the transition and integration process moves forward, there will be thoughtful efforts to maximize resources and create better program efficiencies. For example, a combined agency can utilize one audit firm instead of two, or one payroll company versus two.

Where does my donation go?

For now, all 501c3 tax deductible contributions will be payable to either St. Joseph’s Family Center, or South County Compassion Center. Donors may restrict their gift to support a particular program or service of either agency.

What will happen to the St. Joseph’s and Compassion Center board of directors?

Current board members (from each agency) will form a newly combined board of directors, in order to maintain solid oversight during this exciting transition.  A recruitment process for attracting and cultivating additional board members will commence in the coming year.

How can I support the work of this collaboration?

We need visionary leaders, partners and funders to be part of this process - to go on this journey not only as financial investors, but as evolutionary thought partners. We are working toward a culture change that will bring about long-term solutions to poverty, homelessness, stronger advocacy and opportunities for community engagement in our work.

How do I learn more?

In the coming weeks, both organization’s websites will feature more information and updates on this strategic quest for improvement.

Any questions about this collaborative arrangement can be sent using this questionnaire form. Responses will be shared in a follow-up document made available to all those who submit questions. Our leadership team will also host several informational sessions and announce those once they are scheduled.