Since 1974, COMPASS’ programs and services have evolved in nature and location in response to changing needs of its clientele.
COMPASS’ mission is to equip those it serves with the skills to become self-sufficient, productive members of their communities and society.
The organization’s first services were special education, outreach and tracking, and foster care in the Greater Boston area. As the reputation of COMPASS’ successes and expertise began to grow, it started to have a wider base for referrals outside of Greater Boston and into Central and Northern Massachusetts.
Today, COMPASS has established itself as one of Massachusetts’ leading providers of special education and human services for youth and families in need. It specializes in providing services to an at-risk population that includes comprehensive and individualized education, stabilization, transition, counseling, support, and enrichment services.
COMPASS Programs
THE COMMUNITY SERVICES PROGRAM PROVIDES HOME-BASED, THERAPEUTIC SUPPORT AND STABILIZATION FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES IN NEED THROUGHOUT MASSACHUSETTS.
LOCATED IN DORCHESTER, THE COMPASS SCHOOL WORKS WITH STUDENTS (AGED 6-21) WITH VARYING DISABILITIES THAT REQUIRE SPECIAL EDUCATION IN AN INDIVIDUALIZED ENVIRONMENT.
COMPASS History
1977
In 1977, CAP Special Education changed its name to Boston Basics to reflect the broadening mission of the organization. At its peak, Boston Basics was serving over 100 chronically truant youth (CHINS) referred by Boston Juvenile Court.
1984
In 1984, David Manzo was named the 4th Executive Director of the organization. Due to economic turmoil and financial hardships, the organization only had 8 employees. In late 1984, the organization was renamed to Community Providers of Adolescent Services, or COMPASS.
1985
In 1985, COMPASS continued its relationship with Boston Public Schools as a site for emergency placements of high school students. The COMPASS School grew to include elementary students in 1986 and then middle school students in 1989.
1987
In 1987, the COMPASS School held its first Violence Prevention Ceremony, resulting from the murder of a former student. The program was designed to educate students on how to stay safe during the summer months. COMPASS also moved its operations to Jamaica Plain at the former Blessed Sacrament School.
1998
From the late 1990s-2015, COMPASS ran the Intensive Support Program (ISP) at Boston English High School where COMPASS staff supported students with emotional and behavioral challenges.
2004
In 2004, David Manzo (right) stepped down from COMPASS after more than 20 years. John J. Lydon (left), longtime COMPASS leadership team member, was named the 5th Executive Director of COMPASS. David has remained on the Board of Directors.
2004
In 2004, the COMPASS Cafe opened at the COMPASS School, providing high school students with job-readiness skills and hands-on culinary experience.
2009
In 2009, due to the economic downturn, COMPASS consolidated all of its sites and moved its operations to Bowdoin Street in Dorchester – the site of the former St. Peter’s School.
2014
In 2014, the Community Services program expanded to serving more families in the Greater Lowell area. COMPASS opened a satellite office in Lowell to accommodate the increase in services. Additionally, Community Services began serving adults involved with the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) in Boston and Braintree
2017
In 2017, the Community Services program expanded again to the Greater Worcester area by opening another satelite office in Worcester. Additionally, the COMPASS School opened the Sensory Room, a space dedicated to helping students develop, recover, improve, as well as maintain the skills needed for daily living and working.
2019
In March of 2019, John J. Lydon, having served COMPASS for 44 years, retired from COMPASS. Laura Lajewski, former Chief Operating Officer, was named the 6th Executive Director of COMPASS.
CORE VALUES
In its various programs, COMPASS provides services to a wide variety of clients, including children and adolescents, families, public schools and school districts, and other private non-profit and public organizations. We define the quality of the services we provide in terms of the following core values:
- Capacity Building: We facilitate with our clients the process of developing, as quickly as possible, their own independent capacity to progress and succeed.
- Comprehensive: Our programs and services address the full range of client needs.
- Cultural Competence: Our staff members understand, respond to, and embrace the cultural and linguistic diversity among our clients.
- Individualization: We develop interventions and solutions that are tailored to the specific needs of our clients
- Partnerships: We engage our clients as partners in problem solving.
- Professional Development: We are committed to ongoing transformational professional development, including training, supervision, and ongoing support for our staff.
- Reflectiveness: We constantly examine our practice and make adjustments to benefit our clients.
- Relationships: Our services are based on a foundation of close and caring relationships with our clients.
- Respect: We treat everyone in our community with respect
- Responsiveness: Our programs constitute a fluid and flexible segment of the public education and human services continuum.
- Teams: We foster a team approach to the delivery of services.
- Timeliness: We respond quickly to the requests of our clients.