By Jessica Noble, PCT Training Assistant
Building Community Through Summer Connection
Summer brings with it a natural shift—a chance to break from routine, enjoy the outdoors, and lean into moments of fun, rest, and renewed energy. For many, it’s a time to reconnect with others, recharge through engaging activities, and enjoy the sunshine. At Compass, we see summer as more than just a season. It’s an opportunity to deepen community connections and explore what belonging can look like in action.
With dozens of Bridge to Belonging events happening across the state, this summer is already shaping up to be one filled with creativity, celebration, and connection.
A Strong Start to Summer
We’ve already seen incredible momentum this season with a variety of in-person events across our regions. The Poppy Festival at Shasta State Historic Park was our very first in-person summer event, led by Shannon DeMars. A dozen or more participants from our ILS program showed up to enjoy hands-on activities like branding wood designs and crafting poppy flowers. Along the way, conversations bloomed with vendors and attendees about Compass’s commitment to community engagement.
At our WrestleMania event, hosted by John Allen, participants gathered for a streaming match and a lively competition where they showed off their most creative entrances. The energy was high, the laughs were plentiful, and community spirit was front and center.
Florals with Friends, led by Maraya Villarreal in the SARC region, brought together another enthusiastic group to create beautiful floral arrangements and connect through creativity. And the Calaboose Creekside Cleanup at Plantable brought together Compass staff, Far Northern clients, and PG&E volunteers to care for our local environment.
We also hosted Movie Making with Elliot, a live-streamed session where each region gathered in-person to explore the behind-the-scenes world of filmmaking. From storyboarding to special effects, participants got a hands-on look at the creative process. And Books & Bingo in SARC brought together clients for a fun, social event that celebrated both connection and imagination.
The Summer Fun Continues
Even with so many events behind us, there’s still plenty to look forward to. With more than 70 Bridge to Belonging events happening statewide, this summer offers something for everyone—whether your interests are in the arts, nature, fitness, or social connection.
Coming up:
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Karaoke and Farm Fresh Adventure – Scheduled this summer, these events will offer opportunities for joyful self-expression and outdoor fun.
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Additional regional events focused on health and wellness, crafting, food, and movement.
Each gathering is an invitation to connect—with others, with the community, and with a sense of possibility. Whether you’re planting flowers, belting out a karaoke song, or joining a creative workshop, you’re part of a movement that centers joy and belonging.
A Season of Belonging
At its core, Bridge to Belonging is about more than planning events—it’s about building a culture where people feel seen, welcomed, and part of something meaningful. Summer offers a beautiful backdrop for this work. As our community continues to come together in parks, gardens, museums, and gathering spaces across California, we’re reminded that belonging is something we build together.
With so much already behind us and so much more still ahead, we can’t wait to see what this summer brings.