Compass in the Community – 2026
October 2026
Ice Cream Social Food Truck Fundraiser for United Way of Central Illinois
Soft Serve Social Ice Cream Truck stopped by Compass for Kids (1201 S. 4th Street, Springfield) on Wednesday, October 7, from 12:00–1:00 pm, open to the public. Part of the proceeds was donated to the United Way of Central Illinois, which supports Compass for Kids and other vital community partners in Sangamon and Menard counties. Learn more at uwcil.org.
September 2026
Children of Abraham Event
We had the joy of hosting a Children of Abraham event at our office, welcoming about 60 children and their families! Children of Abraham is a quarterly program that brings children of all ages and faith backgrounds together to share meals, learn about one another’s faiths, and build friendships — and we were honored to be this quarter’s beneficiary. Students learned what a not-for-profit does, how Compass for Kids serves our community, and how they can get involved. They even made bookmarks for our kids and collected favorite snacks and Backpack Feeding Program items. Our building — and our hearts — were full! Thank you to the Islamic Society of Greater Springfield, Illinois and the Greater Springfield Interfaith Association for their support.
Walmart Pumpkin Donation
‘Tis the season! Thank you to Nick Omas and the Walmart Supercenter on Dirksen for donating pumpkins — and all the carving supplies — for two of our Club Compass sites. The pumpkin fun has officially begun!
Illinois Educators Credit Union Sponsorship
We’re so happy to have Illinois Educators Credit Union back as a sponsor this year! Their continued support helps make Compass programs possible. Thank you!
Kidzeum For the Kids Awards Dinner
Congratulations to Kidzeum of Health and Science on a successful inaugural “For the Kids Awards” event! We were honored to have two of our team members recognized for their work for kids in our community: Sarah Oglesby, Chief Operating Officer, and Shelly Kinner, Volunteer and Special Events Coordinator.
August 2026
Made Wright’s Cash Cares Back to School Bash Event
We had an incredible day sharing space with our friends and partners at Made Wright INC. Congratulations on a successful and meaningful event. They were able to serve over 200 youth and more than 70 families across Central Illinois, helping students head back to school with confidence, resources, and smiles.
Community Voices on NPR Illinois
Brandy Apgar and Christy Freeman Stark joined NPR Illinois 91.9 UIS’s Community Voices to talk about the history and impact of Compass for Kids, the Back to School Brunch Fundraiser, and volunteer opportunities. Thank you, NPR Illinois! Listen here.
July 2026
District 186 Back to School Event
We had a great time at the Springfield Public Schools District 186 Back to School Event! It was wonderful connecting with families, visiting with fellow community organizations, and sharing information about Compass for Kids.
Of course, the best part was seeing so many familiar faces, especially our Club Compass and Camp Compass kids and families! Thank you to District 186 and everyone who helped make the event such a success.
Tee it Up for the Kids!
Thank you to St. John’s Lutheran Church and everyone who supported their annual Tee It Up for the Kids golf outing! Compass for Kids is grateful to be a beneficiary of this fun event and for the generous gift presented to us.
From the golfers and sponsors to the volunteers and organizers, thank you for coming together to support local kids. We are so grateful to have community partners who believe in our mission and the children we serve! 💙
SCHEELS Supports Camp Compass
A big thank you to SCHEELS for their generous support of Compass for Kids! This summer, SCHEELS donated $1,000 to support our programs, along with hundreds of backpacks for our Camp Compass kids.
We’re grateful for community partners like SCHEELS who invest in local children and help make opportunities like Camp Compass possible!
Compass on Circle of Friends
Brandy Apgar joined Rocki and Lacy on 98.7 WNNS’s Circle of Friends to talk about Compass for Kids and our upcoming 2026 Back to School Brunch! Brandy shared more about the event, what guests can look forward to, and how the Brunch helps support Compass programs for local children.
Thank you to Rocki, Lacy, and 98.7 WNNS for helping us spread the word!
The Beauty in Our Community
Camp Compass creativity was on display at the Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site this summer! In partnership with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, artwork created by our first through fifth grade campers was featured in The Beauty in Our Community student art exhibit.
Inspired by the Japanese art style Ukiyo-e, campers created scenes celebrating the people, places, and experiences that make Springfield special. We loved seeing their creativity showcased for the community to enjoy!
June 2026
Fat Ass 5K Gives Back!
How cool is this?! A huge thank you to the Fat Ass 5K & Street Party for Charity for once again giving back to our community and generously supporting Compass for Kids!
We’re so grateful to be among the local organizations benefiting from this fun Springfield tradition. Thank you to the organizers, participants, sponsors, and volunteers who make it all possible. Congratulations on another fantastic year!
United Way of Central Illinois Invests in Summer Learning
We are incredibly grateful to United Way of Central Illinois for their continued investment in Camp Compass! Their support helps make it possible for local children to spend their summer strengthening academic skills, building confidence, exploring new experiences, and forming meaningful relationships.
Thank you, United Way of Central Illinois, for believing in our kids and investing in opportunities that help them continue learning and growing all summer long!
Preparing for a Safe Summer at Camp Compass
Before Camp Compass began, more than 65 counselors, teachers, and staff participated in safety and CPR skills training during our Professional Development Days. Hosted by CPR Pros in partnership with Springfield Clinic, the training gave our team the opportunity to learn and practice important skills to help them respond confidently in an emergency.
Thank you to CPR Pros and Springfield Clinic for sharing their expertise and helping us prepare for a safe and successful summer at Camp Compass!
Rotary Club of Springfield supports local organizations.
We are honored and full of gratitude for the generosity of the Rotary Club of Springfield, IL! They consistently show up for the community. Thank you for including Compass for Kids in your financial giving!
Prairie Cardiovascular summer supply drive
The team at Prairie Cardiovascular stepped up to help with summer supplies for Camp Compass! From swimsuits to flip flops, we are grateful for your support!
Pack the Summer Drive
Camp Compass started with a boost from Coonrod Financial Group, with media support from OOT BOX MEDIA and generous donations from the community with a Pack the Summer Drive!
May 2026
WHKS & Co. Snack Drive!
Thank you to the team at WHKS & Co. for hosting the Share-the-Care Drive that brought in all of these snacks! Snacks are important to keep the Camp and Club Compass kids fueled!
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.