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Read full announcement here: compassboston.org/news/dei/
In June 2020, a staff-led committee was formed as the start of COMPASS’ Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Initiative. The committee met with Executive Director Laura Lajewski for several months to determine the best path forward for the organization to address the systemic racism that impacts those COMPASS serves, its staff, and society.
As a result, the staff committee recommended that COMPASS bring in an external consultant to continue the DEI work moving forward.
Today marks the beginning of Women's History Month, and we would like to begin with recognizing none other than our Executive Director, Laura Lajewski!
Laura has been with COMPASS since 2010 and has an extensive background in special education. At COMPASS, she has held the roles of Teacher, Education Coordinator, Chief Operating Officer, and Executive Director (since April 2019).
Women's History Month celebrates the contributions women have made to the United States and recognize the specific achievements women have made over the course of American history in a variety of fields.
Staff at the COMPASS School recently designed and painted a sensory pathway for the elementary school students!
According to COMPASS Occupational Therapist Kelly Laurendi, "The sensory pathway is a colorful, interactive, and fun movement break strategy for students who need to get out some extra energy, release stress, improve focus, cope with difficult emotions (like frustration or worry), and help students self regulate."
The students have been enjoying utilizing this safe and healthy movement opportunity throughout the day!
Recently, EAST Project Manager Amanda Kelley (pictured left) and a youth with which she works participated in a COMPASS Outdoor Education activity. This was the youth's first time sledding!
The COMPASS Outdoor Education provides a safe space for youth and families to connect with nature and step out of their comfort zones.
Over the last several weeks, we partnered with Terra Luna Café in Lawrence, VIA Italian Table in Worcester, The Supper Club at Capo in Boston, and Stats Bar & Grille in Dorchester to provide 400 prepared meals to individuals and families with which we work. This all could not have been possible without the sponsorship from Tito's Handmade Vodka, who paid for all of the meals.
Thank you to everyone who made this happen, especially our partners and the COMPASS staff who delivered all of the meals!
Love ❤️
Our Programs
Community Services
We work with the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) to provide a comprehensive service to all children, families, and adults involved.
COMPASS School
The School works with students (aged 6-22) with a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and learning disabilities. These students are referred from over 19 public school districts.