Compass in the Community – 2026
April 2026
Good as Gold, 18th Annual Springfield Volunteer Awards – April 20, 2026
We are proud to share that several of our amazing volunteers were recognized at the 2026 Good as Gold Springfield Volunteer Awards, hosted by the University of Illinois Springfield!
Congratulations to the following volunteers on their recognition:
- Heart of Gold – Volunteers: Adrienne Dalenberg and Kris Gates
- Youth Volunteer Nominee: Maryam Hafiz
- Distinguished Volunteer Nominee & WINNER: Shirley McCandless
Your dedication, compassion, and commitment to kids in our community make a lasting impact!
Thank You to Local Media!
A big thank you to our local media partners, Sports Radio 1450, WNNS, WICS, and WFMB, for welcoming Senior Donor Relations Manager Brandy Stabler into the studios to share the impact of our 2026 Match Campaign. Your support amplified our mission and rallied the community, helping make the 2026 Match Campaign our most successful yet!
Gratitude to the Land of Lincoln Professional Networking Group
Thank you to the Land of Lincoln Professional Networking Group for your generous $1,000 donation and continued support of Compass for Kids!
Sharing our mission at the RISE Leadership Conference
Brandy was out and about again, this time at the 2026 RISE Leadership Conference, where 150 young, local business professionals experienced a day full of engaging programming to help build their skills as leaders in our community.
March 2026
Springfield Public Schools Foundation Dinner – March 7, 2026
The Springfield Public Schools Foundation dinner is an important and enjoyable event! Our team, Director of Programs Ryan Reitmeier, Chief Operating Officer Sarah Oglesby, Founder and Chief Executive Officer Molly Berendt Grogan, and Senior Donor Relations Manager Brandy Stabler, enjoyed the evening and even purchased some new artwork created by Springfield Public Schools – District 186 art students!
It’s inspiring to celebrate the people and partnerships that support students across our community!
United Way of Central IL Breakfast – March 10, 2026
The annual United Way of Central Illinois breakfast is always a wonderful gathering of individuals and organizations who care deeply for the community. We are grateful to be a part of such an active organization that supports our neighbors!
February 2026
Lunar New Year Celebration – February 7, 2026
Compass for Kids was honored to receive a generous donation from the Springfield Cultural Arts Foundation during the Lunar New Year celebration at the Kidzeum of Health and Science. We were proud to be one of five local organizations selected to receive support.
The event was a wonderful evening filled with culture, engaging activities, and delicious food, bringing the community together to celebrate and give back. We are grateful to be part of such a meaningful celebration.
Literacy Jam – February 7, 2026
Literacy Jam 2026 is in the books! We were thrilled to partner with the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Lincoln Library, and Barnes & Noble for another wonderful Literacy Jam! This annual event is always a hit, featuring entertainment, local authors, community partners, and even free museum tours. Before the event, Compass youth created book wish lists, and generous community members purchased and donated those books, helping students build their at-home libraries. Click the link below for more details and photos!
Rotary Club of Springfield, Sunrise delivers grants to local organizations – February 2026
Dr. Eli Goodman, Club Membership Chair from the Rotary Club of Springfield, IL, Sunrise, presented us with a generous grant as part of their community fundraising initiative. Their commitment to serving the kids in our community is greatly appreciated! From monetary support to rolling up their sleeves, we are grateful for them!
📷 credit: Zach Adams (1221 Photography)
AIWO Check Presentation – India Night Celebration
On Friday, February 20, Compass for Kids celebrated alongside the Asian Indian Women’s Organization during a special check presentation from India Night. Thanks to the incredible generosity of this community event, $230,000 was raised to support our programs, including helping fund a third van to transport our youth.
We are deeply grateful for this partnership and the lasting impact it will have on the kids we serve!
One in a Million’s Black History Ball
A few of our Compass for Kids Youth Leadership Development Program (YLDP) students and staff enjoyed a wonderful evening at the One in a Million Black History Ball on February 22, 2026, celebrating with community, music, poetry, and dancing. It was a meaningful night of culture, connection, and joy for everyone who attended.
January 2026
Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce Gala – January 30, 2026
Team members from Compass for Kids were happy to attend and celebrate with local businesses and community organizations at the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce Annual Gala. The evening featured inspiring speakers and a wonderful opportunity to connect with partners across the community. We were especially proud to celebrate our own Vyvyan Wesley for completing the Leadership Springfield program, an exciting accomplishment and testament to her commitment to leadership in our community.
A Day at UIS Basketball! 🏀 – January 21, 2026
We were honored to participate in a special day at the University of Illinois Springfield men’s and women’s basketball games. Our students enjoyed on-court games, helped the cheerleaders toss T-shirts to the crowd, and created a tunnel for players to run through. The highlight? Our YLDP star, Marcus, proudly sang the National Anthem! What an incredible moment! We are so proud of him and grateful to UIS for including our kids in this unforgettable experience.