GENERATION DRIVE-THRU
Nurtures intergenerational relationships benefiting all generations.
At Compound for Compassion, we believe healing begins with presence. We exist to walk alongside individuals and families through life’s hardest moments—offering housing, hope, and holistic support rooted in dignity and love. Whether someone is facing homelessness, trauma, reentry from incarceration, or the everyday weight of survival, our mission is to meet them where they are and journey with them toward restoration. We serve with open hands, open hearts, and an unwavering belief that compassion can rebuild lives and transform communities.
Compound of Compassion (The Compound) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by Shana Shaw in March 2018 in Aurora, Colorado. Our mission is to provide affordable housing and support services for individuals experiencing homelessness, with a special focus on youth and young adults up to 26 years of age, an often-overlooked group in need of resources and guidance. By creating safe havens for diverse communities, we aim to foster environments where everyone can thrive, building a healthy, people-driven community.
Over the last few years, our organization operated on a mentorship model rooted in the belief that individuals who have overcome challenges are uniquely equipped to guide others through similar journeys. As The Compound grew, it became a safe, supportive space for diverse communities, offering wellness initiatives for single mothers, services for veterans and individuals with disabilities, and Generation Drive-Thru, a youth and young adult program that thrived during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition, we facilitated transitional housing and affordable living opportunities to foster personal transformation and long-term growth. During this time, we also introduced Safe Zones, Girlz with Altitude, Fashion Weekend, and the Safe Zone Shut-In, underscoring our commitment to creating inclusive environments where every individual can flourish and overcome adversity.
Compound of Compassion’s mission is to establish a self-sustaining environment dedicated to healing and empowering youth and young adults through a holistic approach. Our comprehensive program aims to support individuals navigating life’s challenges by offering: safe and stable housing, access to healthcare services, educational opportunities, life and job skills training, financial literacy education and peer-to-peer mentorship from young individuals who understand their journey. Our goal is to foster resilience, independence, and well-being among youth and young adults, ensuring they have the resources and support necessary to thrive.
Women in Transition
Veterans and Their Families
At-Risk and Underserved Youth –
Disconnected Young Adults
Formerly Incarcerated Individuals
At Compound for Compassion, our values reflect our commitment to walk with people—not just serve them. These values are the foundation of everything we do, from outreach to housing to healing relationships across generations.
We believe every person deserves to be seen, heard, and treated with respect—regardless of their past or present struggles.
We create safe, trauma-informed spaces where individuals and families can recover, grow, and rebuild their lives.
We foster authentic relationships, bridging generations and backgrounds to build a stronger, more compassionate Aurora.
Your time and compassion can make a lasting impact. Whether you’re mentoring youth, supporting outreach events, or helping behind the scenes, every act of service helps us build a stronger, more hopeful community. Join us in bringing healing to others—one life at a time.
“Before Y.A.M.S., I was stuck in a cycle of survival. This program didn’t just give me tools—it gave me myself back. The sisterhood, the honesty, the healing... it changed my life.”
“Volunteering with Compound For Compassion has completely reshaped how I see service. It’s not just about giving back—it’s about standing in the gap with real people, in real moments. Every hour I spend here feels like a step toward something bigger than myself.”
“Coming out of prison, I didn’t think I had a future. Halfway Home gave me more than a second chance—it gave me dignity, guidance, and a new beginning.”
Nurtures intergenerational relationships benefiting all generations.
Providing affordable housing for individuals in transition.
Highlights supportive relationships and services during adolescence.
Caters veterans transitioning to civilian life.
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