By Sadie Hess, Compass Founder and CEO
Our last strategic planning session in 2024 was focused on the future. We took time to figure out what our heart was for the future, and we focused on three concepts: innovation, holistic services, and industry transformation. We eagerly brainstormed and dreamed together about what our future can be. The future is always a concept you cannot fully comprehend; you can plan, and things do not always go according to the plan. We know we cannot control the future, but we can control who we are as a light in the industry we provide services in.
We have decided we will lean into being an organization that looks at problems with a mindset that there is a solution. As an organization, we are committed to embracing opportunity and asking ourselves, “What more is possible?” We are eager to find new approaches to old challenges and continue our dedication to serving individuals with disabilities. Our goal is to not just enhance the services we currently provide but also explore new ways to support our clients holistically, creatively, and generously. We are excited for our future and leaning into the vision of all it can be. We have several services and projects we have been working on that are taking us into the future.
Innovation
Innovation is at the core of who we are and will continue to drive us forward. Planning for long-term sustainability in digital solutions and technology is invaluable for our ongoing success. An example of innovation in our past has been QSP. We are excited to see how we can develop even more impactful tools and solutions in the future through QSP.
We want to look for new creative solutions in technology for our industry. Is there a device or application that can improve the lives of the community we serve? Can we create a solution to a problem we face? What more is possible in the world of technology for us when we lean into the future?
We are always looking for ways to continually improve, to enrich the lives of our clients, and to serve our community with excellence. Innovation is at the heart of our deep-rooted desire to bring unsurpassed care and quality of life to the IDD community; it is part of who we will be in the future.
We will be nationally recognized in the human services space, known for innovative solutions, heart-driven leadership, and a deep commitment to those we serve. It is our mission to set national standards for care, person-centered support, and organizational support.
Creative & Holistic Services for Clients
As we look to the future, client services will remain at the heart of our mission. We are looking for opportunities to serve our whole client. Our SLS, ILS, and CFS services have been our benchmark services, and those will remain. We want to look at things such as employment for clients, social recreation, support in creative endeavors, health and wellness opportunities, and much more.
We have started working on obtaining grants and are looking at ways we can partner with state councils and other organizations on how to support clients. As one example of this, we have started a program called Bridge to Belonging.
Bridge to Belonging is a grant-funded initiative aimed at addressing isolation and loneliness in adults with IDD. Bridge to Belonging, to me, is helping our clients and community at large discover what more is possible, inspiring them to live vibrant lives filled with meaningful connections and valuable skills. Through health and wellness activities, creative arts experiences, and community-based events, we are building bridges that lead to lasting friendships and a stronger sense of belonging.
These are things that could help our clients have more vibrant lives with these skills, connections, and knowledge. It is our heart to continue to empower our clients and staff to pursue their dreams and goals, whether those are professional or personal. We are dedicated to facilitating a space where each person in our community and at large can grow, thrive, and reach their full potential.
Industry Transformation
At Compass, dreams propel everything we do. We will continue to empower both clients and staff to pursue their dreams and goals. Over the next seven years, we will expand and grow our core programs—SLS, ILS, and CFS—and introduce new services that align with our values and expertise. Business-to-business services will also be part of our future, helping other organizations adopt our proven methods. These supports might look like software, consulting, and specialized services. This advancement will enable us to innovate, collaborate and scale empowering other organizations to elevate care standards. This will extend our impact beyond our immediate community to a national level.
We are always looking for ways to bring more life and light to our industry. It is our dream and hope to become the number one leader in our field, serving more clients, creating greater opportunities, and exponentially improving the lives of those we serve.
One example of this is our podcast, hosted by Melanie Bazile, Side of Hope. Melanie is Compass’s Director of Innovation & Expansions. She shares stories of hope and grit in the world of human services, social work, advocacy, and the IDD community. Through the podcast, we aspire to bring an authentic voice to social work, highlighting incredible resilience, determination, and hope within the field. We are here to help professionals in social services navigate the complexities of human services with inspiration, tools, and support. We are truly driven by a passion to make a lasting impact on the community we serve and the world.
Compass will demonstrate what more is possible when individuals with disabilities are supported to live lives full of meaning, hope, and every opportunity to pursue dreams both big and small. Our heart is to leave something that will outlast us, that will impact generations to come with an excellent standard of care and support for our community that is universal and lasting.
You can check out our full vision statement for the 2025 – 2031 cycle here.