Compass House 50th Anniversary Video
This past year has been the 50th Anniversary of Compass House during the month of July, 2022. It's hard to believe it has already been 50 years, but we are excited to see all that we can accomplish in 50 more! Below is a video that showcases past staff and clients of Compass House. We played this video during our 50th Anniversary Dinner and want to share to help people understand the work we do here. Please watch below to understand more about Compass House and the impact we have been fortunate to make in the lives of youth since 1972.
Our Stories:
With Compass House being a part of the WNY community since 1972, we've had the opportunity to impact many lives in so many different ways. Our family at Compass House has grown over the years to include clients, staff, volunteers, and donors all across Erie County. With five decades of Compass House, there are five decades worth of touching stories about our impact in the WNY community.
"I feel the people who work at Compass House treated me like I was family. They made me feel so comfortable. I didn't want to leave. However, I did leave and put ot work all the motivation and great work ethic and self sufficiency that Compass house helped to gear me towards. Now I went to school at Professional Culinary Institute and plan to ultimately establish my own catering business. I am elated at how my life has transformed"
This client had their first encounter with Compass House at the age of 17. Her mother passed away, and she was having difficulty getting along with her father with her mother gone. The client uses our case management services, groups, food bank, and independent living services. Recently the client came seeking employment assistance. The client also wanted to attain her GED. Working with staff at the RC, the client was able to enroll in a CNA training program through Harvest House, and the Buffalo Employment Training Center.
The client required direction to achieve her goals, which was provided by RC staff, and is now on her way to changing her life. The interaction RC staff facilitated between the client and the Buffalo Employment Training Center also lead to the client enrolling in GED classes. The CNA training program is free to this client, and all who complete the training are placed in jobs in their field. As a counselor working with youth, this story identifies for me, sometimes it is the smallest things that mean the most. A simple phone call by a case manager can change the direction of a youth’s life, and in this case has.
"Almost fifteen years ago, I was in a bit of a downward spiral, culminating in my stay at the house, and Compass House really helped me move past that with caring and concern. I think about that darker time in my life, and the biggest favor you did for me during that time was to ask why I was doing things and making certain choices. You helped me understand through self-reflection that I was perhaps not making the best decisions for me or my family, and it was life changing. I can't thank you enough. I now have a very productive, healthy and happy life, and you definitely had a hand in getting me to where I am today."