A Partnership of Hope

By Abby Glaser
Encompass Community Advocate

At our core, the mission of Encompass has always been about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. But often the folks that come through our office need a wider range of support than we can provide on our own.  We know we can’t do this work alone! For over a decade, our partnership with Citilookout has been one of the strongest examples of what happens when organizations come together with a shared commitment to helping people heal, grow, and connect. 
 
Citilookout, a counseling center, has served countless individuals, couples, and families in our community. Their counselors bring expertise across marriage and family therapy, trauma recovery, grief work, and more. As Janna Carrier, Citilookout’s Assistant Agency Director, shared, their goal has always been to serve people regardless of their ability to pay, particularly those on the margins who might otherwise slip through the cracks. Their focus on helping people navigate trauma and build healthier futures directly aligns with our own mission of fostering stronger relationships and a healthier community. 

Our relationship with Citilookout began many years ago, when their founder, Shelley Lopez, began offering monthly trainings for our volunteer mentors on topics like communication, conflict resolution, and effective listening. Over time, our organizations began referring clients back and forth, recognizing the unique strengths each brought to the table. When a couple or individual in our programs needed additional support with issues like trauma, addiction, or grief, we knew we could trust Citilookout’s counselors to step in. Likewise, they have often referred clients to us for relationship classes, mentoring, and wraparound support. 
 
Citilookout’s Executive Director, Dave Ervin, came to the organization out of retirement in 2024 after a long career in the criminal justice system. 

    “I became really interested in this work because I had worked with men and women who were in the criminal justice system for many years and one of the main issues that those folks were dealing with were mental health issues and trauma. When I learned about CitiLookout I became really interested and it's a passion of mine. I know God gave me the heart to love these people and he certainly gave me the opportunity for many years before I retired from my last job. So this was an easy decision for me to come here and have an opportunity to lead this organization, but also work with the wonderful staff that we have.”

As Dave described, there aren't many things more important than strengthening families. He spoke about the critical need for men to have positive role models and the ripple effect this has on families and communities. Though our approaches differ—ours often rooted in education and coaching, theirs in therapeutic support—the goal is the same: helping people heal and build strong, resilient connections. 
 
The trust and friendship between our teams goes beyond referrals. As Janna put it, we’ve been their biggest allies. Our staff have turned to each other for advice, support, and encouragement through leadership transitions, tough seasons, and big decisions. We’ve even shared staff members at times, blurring the line between partnership and family in the best way possible. 
 
We often talk about the importance of community when it comes to healthy relationships. Our partnership with Citilookout is living proof of that. As they continue to grow and evolve--including working to expand their Medicaid billing and sustain their services into the future—we stand beside them, knowing that our missions are stronger together. 

Healthy relationships don’t happen in isolation. Neither does the work of supporting them. If you think you might need counseling, consider reaching out to Citilookout! If you’re not sure if you need their services, Encompass’ services or both, get in touch with us for a free intake. We can help you determine a plan to move forward in healthier relationships.  Want to help others access the resources they need? Consider donating to the work of Encompass or Citilookout! We’re grateful to have partners like Citilookout walking alongside us, offering care, hope, and healing to those who need it most. ​