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
CAP to Boston Basics
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.
4th Executive Director and Name Change to COMPASS
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.
Growth of COMPASS School
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.
First Violence Prevention Ceremony and Move to Jamaica Plain
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.
Intensive Support Program
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.
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.