COMPASS

We are proud to share that COMPASS has received its first grant from Philanthropy Massachusetts, with a $7,500 award to support field trips during COMPASS School’s summer programming 🌞

This funding comes from the Summer Fund, Philanthropy MA’s longest-running donor collaborative, now in its 55th year. Each year, the Summer Fund expands access to safe, enriching summer opportunities for youth across Greater Boston.

Thanks to this support, COMPASS students will experience meaningful learning beyond the classroom through engaging, hands-on field trips this summer.

We are grateful to Philanthropy MA for investing in Boston’s youth and strengthening programs that make a lasting impact.

"COMPASS School Speech-Language Pathologist Rachel Norton, SLP '21, says some literacy challenges are related to different trauma stressors students are experiencing outside of school."

Read more about Rachel's journey pursuing her doctoral degree in the MGH Institute of Health Professions' Brain, Education, and Mind (BEAM) Lab where she is working to improve learning outcomes of students with trauma and learning disabilities:

https://www.mghihp.edu/news-and-more/news/phd-student-working-improve-learning-outcomes-students-trauma-and-learning-disabilities

PhD Student Working to Improve Learning Outcomes of Students with Trauma and Learning Disabilities Rare is the person who can simultaneously impact an organization both at the direct-care and administration levels.Rachel Terra Norton is one of those people.

✨ If you missed our April 2026 Newsletter, you can view it now through the link below -- read about COMPASS advocating in D.C., our School's Summer Program and how to host a donation drive ✨

April 2026 Newsletter ➡️ https://conta.cc/4d3FPxi

Sign up for future COMPASS Newsletters➡️ https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/be3KUcu

The COMPASS Newsletter: April 2026 Email from COMPASS COMPASS Advocates in D.C. | 39th Annual Violence Prevention Day | School Summer Program | Host a Donation Drive! A Message from The Executive Director Dear Friends, As we step into

COMPASS joined The Children's League of Massachusetts Advocacy Day at the State House yesterday in support of youth and families, including a meeting with State Representative Christopher Worrell to share updates on our programs and community impact.

🏃‍➡️🏃‍♀️‍➡️ COMPASS clients have been making the most of the beautiful weather this month! Through our Outdoor Education Club, youth are getting outside, exploring nature, building creativity and learning new skills along the way 🌿

COMPASS is celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week 🎉We are recruiting for two open teacher roles, which we promoted last month at the Annual Education Career Fair at Boston University hosted by The Massachusetts Educational Recruiting Consortium (MERC). Remember to thank your teachers!

If you are interested in applying for the Middle School or High School Special Education teacher roles, please contact [email protected] with a cover letter and resume.

We are a proud sponsor of The Caring Force's 2nd Annual Merrimack Valley Rally!

🗓 Friday, June 5, 2026
🕘 Doors open at 9 AM | Speaking program at 10 AM
📍 Northern Essex Community College, Haverhill

RSVP: https://ujoin.co/campaigns/4261/actions/public?action_id=6420

The Caring Force, the grassroots advocacy initiative of the Providers' Council, empowers supporters of the human services sector to drive meaningful change.

We’re thrilled to announce COMPASS has been awarded a grant from Gillette, a P&G brand!

This investment will directly support clients through the John J. Lydon Help Fund, helping families meet urgent needs such as keeping the lights on, accessing healthcare transportation, and securing essential supplies for newborns. Most importantly, it ensures at-risk families have the stability they need to thrive.

We’re deeply grateful to Gillette and Procter & Gamble for their partnership and for believing in the work we do every day.

🧠💡 COMPASS attended the 2nd Annual MAAPS School Fair for Special Education Professionals at Waltham Woods.

The MAAPS School Fair is a professional conference for networking and informational purposes. Special education professionals, educational advocates, and medical professionals involved in the alternative placement process are invited to attend.

Thank you to the Massachusetts Association of Approved Private Schools (MAAPS) for hosting this important event.

COMPASS offers a variety of volunteer opportunities through our School Garden, COMPASS Café, STEM activities, kit-building, and more. Whether you’re interested in supporting students directly or helping behind the scenes, there are many ways to get involved.

Contact [email protected] to learn more about volunteering.