Compassion in action: Carry the Vision's impact

Across the tech-driven landscape of Silicon Valley, a nonprofit organization is quietly reshaping the lives of individuals, families, and communities that have been historically underserved and systematically denied access to essential resources.

Carry the Vision, with its mission to co-create compassionate communities one person at a time, offers a range of programs and support services designed to address the unique needs of its diverse clientele.

Life skills classes

Carry the Vision's life skills classes are far from the conventional lessons in balancing checkbooks and cooking meals.

Instead, they go deep into the profound questions of identity, purpose, and the impact of personal choices on one's life and environment.

Since 2015, Carry the Vision has collaborated with the Santa Clara County Office of Diversion and Reentry to provide these transformative sessions. These classes are not limited to a specific setting; they extend both within the custody system and out into the community. 

Resource navigation

For those who have experienced time within the confines of the criminal justice system, the challenges of reintegration into society can seem insurmountable. However, Carry the Vision recognizes that resources are not scarce.

It’s access to them that requires attention.

In response, they initiated a program that acts as a bridge for individuals recently released from custody. Whether it's obtaining a driver's license, connecting with mental health services, managing medications, securing a therapist or doctor, or enrolling in school for themselves or their children, Carry the Vision's approach is rooted in deep listening and tailored support.

Fiscal sponsorship for grassroots organizations

Carry the Vision extends its support to other budding organizations in the community.

By acting as a fiscal sponsor, they provide essential financial backing to grassroots initiatives that often struggle to fit traditional nonprofit structures. This support allows these organizations to offer vital services directly to the community while receiving the compensation they deserve.

Lived experience workforce development/alternative staffing

One of Carry the Vision's most innovative endeavors is the creation of a lived experience workforce development and alternative staffing organization.

This program is comprehensive, encompassing both youth and adults. The approach is holistic, recognizing that the challenges faced by individuals often extend to their families.

For example, the youth cohort, consisting of those with previous interactions with the justice system, is given opportunities from engaging in activities like jiu jitsu to meditation, mindfulness, yoga, and participating in city council meetings.

Furthermore, Carry the Vision ensures that their program participants have access to critical necessities such as child care, diapers, period products, food and shelter.

“This whole-person approach acknowledges that true transformation requires addressing every aspect of a person’s life,” said Shelley Swan, the organization’s executive director.

What’s more, Swan said, social services will begin directly compensating the youth and adult participants of the alternative workforce development program.

Carry the Vision's work is about addressing the root causes of adversity and creating a more equitable and compassionate community for all. Their commitment to deep listening, personalized support, and holistic transformation sets them apart in Santa Clara County.