COTS awarded a Top 100 Place to Work in the North Bay area by the North Bay Business Journal
For a total of four times, COTS has been named a Top 100 Place to Work in the North Bay area by the North Bay Business Journal; it is easy to see why. COTS not only cares about the Sonoma County community, but they reflect tremendous care inward too. Part of COTS’ Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion mission is to “allow our staff to thrive, to create a more just and engaged community, and to truly serve our clients across the spectrum of need, [by embracing and celebrating] diversity, [practicing] inclusion, and [exercising] our role as a champion of equity”.
North Bay Business Journal
September 15, 2023
Ensuring Stability and Hope: How COTS Supports Children’s Education
In a world of constant change and uncertainty, education stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity. For children experiencing homelessness, the importance of staying in school cannot be overstated.
Amidst the challenges and hardships that come with homelessness, maintaining a consistent education can provide a lifeline to stability, empowerment, and a brighter future. That’s why, at COTS, Care Manager Wendy Lindberg works so diligently to support children’s education.
When a new family moves in to KFFS, one of the priorities is their children’s education. If the family is from out of town, Wendy will register their children in the Petaluma School District. If the family is local and prefers to stay at their home school, she reaches out to that school district to start work on a transportation plan.
The McKinney Vento Act requires that school districts provide transportation for students experiencing homelessness and that may be in the form of a bus ride, gas cards or even a driving service like Uber. It can take weeks for a plan to come into place, so in the meantime Wendy supports our parents by assisting with school drop off and pick up.
Wendy also helps our KFFS families navigate the difficult terrain of getting an IEP (Individual Education Plan) for children. She helps families gather documentation, brings them to appointments and acts as an advocate when needed. She shared how proud she is of the families both at currently at KFFS and those recently housed who set up IEPs with her assistance and are continuing them.
We’re so grateful to Wendy for the incredible work she does supporting our families. By prioritizing children’s education, COTS offers our families stability and hope.
By investing in COTS, you are investing in the education of children, we are investing in a future where potential knows no bounds and where the cycle of homelessness can be broken, one child at a time. We invite you to support this life changing work
Volunteers Make A Difference!
While we believe that Wendy is super woman, KFFS is also fortunate to have community support from volunteers who go above and beyond for our families. We have volunteers who provide after school homework assistance and organized-play. It’s an incredible opportunity for community members to support our families and ensure that children stay on top of their schoolwork. Community groups like the Petaluma Valley Rotary Club and Active 20/30 Club also provide material needs to our families. This August both groups helped provide backpacks, school supplies, school clothes and more for the families at KFFS.
This winter, more groups will come together to support our families over the Holidays. To learn more about how your or your community groups can get involved, email [email protected].
“Recently, a past client called to share with me the progress they were making with their child’s speech therapy, thanks to their IEP. It’s so gratifying to see our families doing so well.” Wendy Lindberg
Ashley's Story
At COTS, we love to celebrate our teammates’ successes. So when HUD-PSH (Permanent Supportive Housing) Care Manager Ashley Lovejoy got into her first choice nursing program, the whole team erupted in a series of congratulatory emails.
“I’ve always naturally been drawn to medicine,” she says. In spite of this, the journey to nursing school has not been simple, or easy.
“I grew up on and off homeless my whole life, like my whole childhood,” she says. “When I was in high school, my family actually lived in a COTS house. So that’s how I knew about COTS, was my experience with them when I was young.
“I had a great experience with COTS and the caseworkers. They were very encouraging of me, [even when] my mom was encouraging me to drop out of high school when I had a 4.0.”
In spite of her mother’s drug addiction, and with the support of her COTS case manager, Ashley finished high school. She then attempted Sonoma State, but dropped out after taking on too many advanced classes. She got married, then divorced, worked in England and Denmark, and is now a single mom of four boys.
After her divorce, she and her kids moved back to the States. “Within a couple of weeks of moving back here, I went back to school at the JC. And in a couple of years, I went back to Sonoma State and got my Bachelor’s in Sociology.“
Last May, her journey brought her back to COTS, when she joined the team as our HUD-PSH Care Manager. “I told everyone coming in that I wanted to work for COTS because of my history with COTS, and because I wanted to make a difference,” she says.
Prior to working at COTS, Ashley’s love of children had always drawn her to pediatrics. But her experience working with clients in the Permanent Supportive Housing program quickly changed all that. “After working for COTS and then working with the clients that I have, building that relationship, I’ve decided I’m specializing in adult geriatrics now, because I see such a need,” she says.
“I’ve seen with my clients, how fearful a lot of them are. [A lot of our clients are] very hesitant [to seek medical care] because they feel judged. I have one who, once he left the Mary Isaac Center, he refused to see a doctor. Any time he saw one, [he’d say] ‘They don’t care about me.’”
Not willing to give up, Ashley approached Nurse Annie Nicols, who gave her a personal recommendation for a nurse practitioner, and the client agreed to go. “Now he’s been getting medical care for his chronic conditions because of that trust he has in her,” Ashley says. “That’s part of what motivated me to go back [to school for nursing].”
For Ashley, having the Petaluma Health Center on campus has been invaluable in helping her clients. While she doesn’t know where she’ll end up after nursing school, “I would love to go back and work with the Petaluma Health Center,” she says. “My kids have always gone there, and I love the fact that they work with COTS.”
Ashley’s lived experience with homelessness gives her a valuable connection to her clients, one she hopes she’ll be able to bring with her into her nursing practice. “I can connect, and I’m able to build such trust with all of my clients now,” she says. “I’m in a unique position where if I were to come back and work with this population, I feel like I’d be able to hopefully be someone that they felt they could trust. So that is kind of my long term goal.”
When asked what her favorite thing about her job at COTS is, she said, “I love the people. Every every one of our clients have such interesting and unique backgrounds. I’ve got one that I’ve helped enroll in school, and he’s back to school for the first time in like 45-50 years, and he’s getting an Associate’s Degree. I have another one that is going to go to school to become a minister, that’s his passion. It’s really amazing to see.”
We are grateful to have Ashley on our team for the rest of her time leading up to nursing school, and when it’s time, we wish her luck on her next adventure.
Suzy's Story
Suzy’s Story
Suzy lived a regular life. She had a job, a car, and an apartment that she shared with her son. But after a medical event left her son with a traumatic brain injury and unable to work, it became harder to stay housed.
Eventually, Suzy and her son became homeless. “I’m from Petaluma, so I’ve always known about COTS” Suzy said, but it was a worker at Petaluma Health Center that encouraged the family to apply to COTS. While her son began his journey to sobriety at COTS, Suzy hid her addiction to alcohol.
Her alcoholism got the best of her, and Suzy had to leave COTS. “I lived in a tent under an overpass for a month. I was still drinking and was so dehydrated, I had hallucinations. I had to go to the hospital. I was so sick and weak.” Suzy was discharged and her son started bringing her the to-go meals COTS offers and eventually she started coming back to COTS for meals herself, applied to live at the COTS shelter again, and she made a commitment to sobriety.
Suzy met our Head Chef, Janin, who listened to her story and encouraged Suzy to start volunteering in the kitchen. That’s when things began to change. Little by little, she regained her strength and sense of self.
“They took care of me, I got stronger every day, so I could do more and more. And it became a family. And then it reached the point where I was doing it [volunteering] because I wanted to, not because it was air conditioned. I was doing it because there’s such camaraderie in the kitchen. I had lost myself, and being here with people who care about you, and where you are giving back was, it changed my life. It allowed me a place to kind of heal and find myself. So, it’s a rescue story.”
Today, Suzy is celebrating over three months of sobriety. She credits the staff at COTS for making her feel supported and cared for. When she’s not preparing food in the kitchen, she’s helping pass out dinner. Suzy sees individuals she met while living in an encampment and encourages them to come inside. She wants others to know that even when they aren’t sure about COTS, or when the journey back to housing feels insurmountable, that they should try. “They’ve just forgotten that they can. Because I, I kind of did. I forgot that I could do all this. I can, even though I [was] lost. This says that it has nothing to do with my future. Again, I can set that aside and say from here, I can go forward.”
Housing is Suzy’s next step, and she is hoping to stay in Petaluma so that she can continue to volunteer. “I want be a core volunteer, that’s how much this place means to me.”
COTS is so grateful to the staff who didn’t give up on Suzy and who are continuing to support her in her journey back to housing. Thank you to the many supporters who made this work possible for Suzy and so many others.
The COTS Collective: July 2023
Beyond Shelter: Pets at People’s Village
COTS is proud to offer various innovative programs to best help our clients every day. Each COTS client has a unique story, and all our programs are designed to be flexible in meeting the needs of those we serve. Programs like People’s Village provide interim housing to people experiencing homelessness—offering a safe and secure place for individuals to focus on improving their well-being and self-sufficiency.
Having pets can be a beacon of hope for those experiencing homelessness and People’s Village is one of the few temporary housing options available which allows pets, eliminating a barrier often faced by people experiencing homelessness.
Read on to learn more about our client Brandon, and his dog Izzy, in our Mission Moment.
Until next time,
Chris Cabral
Mission Moment—Who Rescued Who?
Brandon first came to COTS in 2017, but the challenges in his life kept him from permanent housing. Then in 2023, when he was living at a camp in Cloverdale, COTS Outreach staff shared with him about an opportunity to live at People’s Village.
So, he decided to give it a try. Since animals are allowed at People’s Village, he knew he could work on finding housing, his recovery and rescue a puppy living at the encampment. Brandon knew he wanted to save one of the pups, but it turns out, she saved him too.
Brandon came to COTS using opiates but knew he couldn’t care for a dog in his current state. He detoxed and gained his sobriety. Then went back to save Izzy, a special pup with two spots on her back shaped like hearts. She was just three weeks old. Brandon bottle-fed her and cared for her around the clock. She kept him busy and focused, two things needed to keep him sober.
“[She’s] kept me from going back out and doing stuff I shouldn’t be doing. It’s definitely helped me through those moments when you don’t really know who to talk to you, but these dogs are there. You know, there’s no judgment that comes from her either. That’s the greatest part.”
Brandon worked with his Care Manager, Stacie Questioni, on his individual action plan and Client Enrichment Services Manager, Eileen Morris helped Brandon, an army veteran, secure a housing voucher through Veteran’s Affairs. “Eileen has been a huge help. The biggest help when it comes to housing… She’s a rock star.”
Today, Brandon is continuing his search for housing and working hard at taking care of Izzy. He’s an excellent dog parent, keeping an active five month old puppy busy and well-trained.
Brandon’s ready for the stability of permanent housing, a home for him and Izzy. “My hope is to just keep it [housing], I’m done with being back on the streets.” We are so proud of the work Brandon is doing to find housing and can’t wait for the day when he has a home to call his own.
Thank you for your support of innovative programs like People’s Village and our Client Enrichment Program that create opportunities for clients like Brandon. We are so grateful of your support of our vision to create a community where everyone has a place to call home.
Sincerely,
Chris Cabral, CEO
Studios at Montero 'a huge step forward'
A former motel is turned into permanent supportive housing through California’s Homekey Funds. COTS is proud to provide on-site case management at the Studios at Montero.
Argus Courier
COTS provides a Cooling Center during rising summer temperatures.
While the temperatures weren’t high enough to trigger an official county cooling center, ABC 7 and KRON—4 featured COTS’ work as one of the few cooling centers available in Sonoma County.
KRON – 4
Brandon and Izzy
Who Rescued Who?
Brandon first came to COTS in 2017, but the challenges in his life kept him from permanent housing. Then in 2023, when he was living at a camp in Cloverdale, COTS Outreach staff shared with him about an opportunity to live at People’s Village.
So, he decided to give it a try. Since animals are allowed at People’s Village, he knew he could work on finding housing, his recovery and rescue a puppy living at the encampment. Brandon knew he wanted to save one of the pups, but it turns out, she saved him too.
Brandon came to COTS using opiates but knew he couldn’t care for a dog in his current state. He detoxed and gained his sobriety. Then went back to save Izzy, a special pup with two spots on her back shaped like hearts. She was just three weeks old. Brandon bottle-fed her and cared for her around the clock. She kept him busy and focused, two things needed to keep him sober.
“[She’s] kept me from going back out and doing stuff I shouldn’t be doing. It’s definitely helped me through those moments when you don’t really know who to talk to you, but these dogs are there. You know, there’s no judgment that comes from her either. That’s the greatest part.”
Brandon worked with his Care Manager, Stacie Questioni, on his individual action plan and Client Enrichment Services Manager, Eileen Morris helped Brandon, an army veteran, secure a housing voucher through Veteran’s Affairs. “Eileen has been a huge help. The biggest help when it comes to housing… She’s a rock star.”
Today, Brandon is continuing his search for housing and working hard at taking care of Izzy. He’s an excellent dog parent, keeping an active five month old puppy busy and well-trained.
Brandon’s ready for the stability of permanent housing, a home for him and Izzy. “My hope is to just keep it [housing], I’m done with being back on the streets.” We are so proud of the work Brandon is doing to find housing and can’t wait for the day when he has a home to call his own.
Thank you for your support of innovative programs like People’s Village and our Client Enrichment Program that create opportunities for clients like Brandon. We are so grateful of your support of our vision to create a community where everyone has a place to call home.
STORY UPDATE: November 2023
This month, Brandon and Izzy have moved out of COTS People’s Village housing and into Windsor Veteran’s Village, a supportive, veteran-focused housing community. We are so proud of all your hard work, Brandon!
A shout out to Stacie Questoni, Nora Vetter, Randy Clay, and all of our teammembers at COTS who worked together with Brandon to see him through to housing of his own!
Pictured below is Brandon (left) and Stacie Questoni, COTS’ People’s Village Services Manager, (right) in front of Brandon’s new residence.
The COTS Collective: June 2023
Celebrating Six Months
In January, I stepped into the COTS Chief Executive Officer role following Chuck Fernandez. Chuck left big shoes to fill and had built an incredible team of professionals to move the COTS mission forward. I wanted to take a moment to thank Chuck for his work here at COTS, and to celebrate the first six months of 2023. We have already accomplished so much!
So far in 2023, the COTS team has updated its program policies to be more inclusive, helping our clients achieve greater success on their unique pathways to housing. We have laid the foundation for a large expansion of both our Recuperative Care program, and our Permanent Supportive Housing program. By Spring of 2024, COTS will have expanded its Recuperative Care capacity by more than 200% and will have added 14 new units of permanent supportive housing in Sonoma County. The COTS team held its first in-person fundraiser since 2019, strengthened its community partnerships, and worked alongside Burbank Housing in the opening of a new 60-unit permanent supportive housing project in Petaluma. We have onboarded several talented team members, started a new 5-year strategic plan, and increased our capacity to serve each unique client in ways most meaningful to them.
We are looking forward to our next six months. If you are interested in joining us as a volunteer, donating to our critical mission, or learning more about upcoming events, please visit our website at www.cots.org.
Until next time,
Chris Cabral
Mission Moment—A Staff Highlight: Stacie Questoni
COTS could not accomplish all we do without an incredible team of dedicated staff members. We want to take a moment to celebrate Stacie Questoni, the People’s Village Services Manager. Since 2020, Stacie has been an invaluable member of the COTS team.
Ask anyone at COTS about Stacie and you’re sure to elicit smiles, laughter, and words of genuine love and camaraderie. Stacie helps our clients navigate their pathway to housing and has worked to help dozens of unsheltered community members find permanent housing right here in Sonoma County.
We asked Stacie to share a bit about herself and her work at COTS. Keep reading to learn more about Stacie’s passion for our work.
What do you love most about working at COTS?
First and foremost, I love the mission of COTS. I love the collaboration I have with my community partners, my coworkers, and my incredible boss. I love being in the role of helping others help themselves, giving them the tools and services they need to make better life decisions and seeing them blossom. COTS has a family feel to it and they care about you as a person and put your self-care as a priority.
Can you tell us about a recent client success story?
We have had many success stories in the short time People’s Village has been open. We have had 63 residents come through the program and 18 of those residents have been housed since the inception of the program March 2021.
One gentleman who has been highly resistant to services finally agreed to come into People’s Village. He stayed in our program for longer than a year, getting his medical issues taken care of, and working with VA. Due to the flexibility of our program, he was able to have the time he needed to work on those issues and COTS was able to get his VA discharge corrected so he could qualify for a VA housing voucher. Now, he is housed!
A female resident who has been unsheltered in the community since 2009 finally decided to come to COTS for services. She worked with staff to address her substance use, and after extensive engagements and a stay at People’s Village, she now has permanent housing at the new Studios at Montero program in Petaluma, CA.
What hobbies do you have outside of work?
Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my two adult sons, Dario and Luca. I enjoy traveling, (last year I went to Guatemala and New York, this year Boston and to be determined) spending time with my friends, hiking, camping, listening to live music, spa days, gardening, reading, and watching documentaries.
What would you like to see for People’s Village in the next three years?
I would like to see more mental health resources at People’s Village and in the community. I would also love to see an expansion of the program by adding additional tiny homes for people in need.
A big thanks to Stacie for all of her hard work and compassionate care to those we serve. Keep up the amazing work, Stacie!
Sincerely,
Chris Cabral, CEO
The COTS Collective: May 2023
Celebrating a Successful Hops for Homes Fundraiser
In April, COTS hosted its annual Hops for Homes fundraiser at Brewster’s Beer Garden in downtown Petaluma. We are incredibly grateful to those who came to the event, and humbled by those who continue to show such strong support for our critical programs. We raised over $95,000 and enjoyed a fun-filled evening celebrating COTS’ 35th anniversary. All funds raised are used to provide essential services, programs, and resources to individuals and families experiencing homelessness in our community.
Hops for Homes brought together community members, elected officials, volunteers, staff members, and generous donors who are committed to making a positive impact on the lives of those in need. We shared stories of hope and resilience, highlighting the continued need for innovative solutions to ending homelessness in Sonoma County. The event was a resounding success—many attendees expressed their support and enthusiasm for COTS’ mission and thanked our speakers for sharing their inspiring stories.
“We are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support we received at this year’s fundraiser,” said Erin Krueger, Development Director at COTS. “The funds raised will enable us to continue providing vital services and resources to those experiencing homelessness in Petaluma and the rest of Sonoma County. Together, we are making a significant difference in the lives of individuals and families, helping them move toward self-sufficiency and a brighter future.“
To learn more about the services COTS offers, please visit our website here.
On behalf of COTS, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all event attendees, donors, volunteers, staff, and community partners who contributed to the success of Hops for Homes. Your generosity and dedication exemplify the spirit of compassion and unity that defines the Sonoma County community.
We hope to see all of you at next year’s fundraiser!
Until next time,
Chris Cabral
Mission Moment—Studios at Montero Brings Hope for New Tenants
“Welcome Home” balloons greeted clients – along with staff from COTS and Burbank Housing – at the Studios at Montero soft opening earlier this month
Studios at Montero is the conversion of a 50-year-old motel into 60 units of permanent supportive housing for chronically homeless people in Sonoma County. COTS is thrilled to partner with Burbank Housing and the City of Petaluma on this incredible project.
Studios at Montero (“SAM”) officially welcomed the first tenants earlier this month. All 60 units at SAM are fully remodeled studio units which come fully furnished. All new tenants also receive a welcome-home basket full of household goods to help ensure a successful and warm transition into their new homes.
COTS is proud to offer long-term, wraparound supportive services at this project, ensuring tenants feel safe and supported during their transition into permanent housing. Tenants are offered comprehensive case management, peer support services, access to onsite and offsite group recreation, healthcare coordination, and many other supportive services to help create a sense of safety, self-sufficiency, and instill confidence.
Projects like Studios at Montero bring hope to those experiencing homelessness right here in Sonoma County. Here at COTS, we have an immense sense of pride in serving our community, and we thank you for your continued support in upholding our mission.
Sincerely,
Chris Cabral, CEO