First Anniversary of COMPASS Director

Helpful Changes in Hard Times

COMPASS, a non-profit homelessness prevention program supported by more than 20 Columbus-area churches and organizations, is reflecting on one year of leadership under its new director, Gail Lowe, MSW LSW.  Lowe’s leadership has been instrumental in managing the 46 percent increase in client service requests in 2008.  “It’s been a challenging year for neighbors in the Columbus area.  The COMPASS Board of Directors and its supporters are grateful to Gail Lowe for her initiatives in these trying economic times,” said COMPASS Board of Directors President, Sallie Sherman.

Lowe has implemented a partnership with The Ohio State University, Masters of Social Work I program and obtained two un-paid interns during the 2008-2009 academic year.  Seeing increased numbers of clients in the waiting area and sensing their frustration, Lowe instituted an appointment schedule and pre-screening system allowing optimization of her staff and alleviation of congestion.

One of Lowe’s goals was to help clients better understand the services and responsibilities of COMPASS to the neighbors it serves.  She created the Neighbor Commitment form completed by clients at pre-screening which has helped with the response rate on post-service surveys.    

                    Involvement from COMPASS partner churches has been vital to meeting the needs of struggling neighbors.  Lowe has cultivated new partnerships with two churches this year.  COMPASS has been the recipient of an Ingram-White Castle grant for the past three years.  Lowe with capable assistance from Board members and volunteers has sought out new grants to help with mounting needs from Columbus neighbors losing jobs and facing homelessness.  With a servant heart, Lowe has actively raised awareness of the COMPASS program through increased participation in community and coalition meetings and activities.

                    Within COMPASS operations, Lowe has spear-headed the effort to acquire improved technology.  Three computer workstations were generously donated to facilitate increased workload and efficiency.  Longstanding systemic data base malfunctions have been resolved and corrections and consolidations to records have been achieved. 

     Established in 1981, COMPASS provides homelessness prevention services to those about to fall through the cracks in the larger Columbus community.  All are welcome to COMPASS; neighbors are respectfully heard and supported.  Services provided by the program include rent and utility assistance; employment assistance; counseling and referrals. Broad Street Presbyterian Church hosts the program, providing the administrative services and office space.  COMPASS is actively supported by more than 20 congregations and organizations across the city.  COMPASS is primarily funded by donations from private individuals, congregations and organizations.  Those served by the program range in age, family circumstance, education and need.  There are NO typical situations.  Each COMPASS client is working hard to overcome obstacles in their current situation.