History

2011

Compass for Kids, founded in 2011 by Molly Berendt as a ministry of Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church, was the first program in Springfield formed specifically for children experiencing homelessness to remove the barriers they face in participating in after-school and summer programs, such as cost, overwhelming paperwork processes, and transportation.

2012 – 2014

Thanks to pilot funding from United Way of Central Illinois in 2012, Compass continued to expand our unique community-based, volunteer-driven model to more schools and students, adding an innovative summer learning program, Camp Compass, in 2013, and the first Backpack Feeding Program in the county, in 2014.

2016

In 2016, Compass for Kids became an independent 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization after having operated the previous four years as part of the Family Service Center.

2019

In 2019, Compass for Kids began a partnership with Springfield Public Schools – District 186 to expand Camp Compass in place of the District’s elementary summer school, resulting in Camp Compass becoming the largest summer learning provider for the District.

2020 – 2022

Between 2020 – 2022, Compass for Kids’ programs operated virtually and/or hybrid due to the COVID-19 pandemic as not serving our children and families was not an option. Quick and proactive adaptations were made, successful remote learning programs were established, new initiatives such as Meals that Matter and Book Club were added, and thanks to our incredible staff, volunteers, and community partners, Compass didn’t miss a beat.