Program Components
COMPASS works with youth, giving them the tools they need to succeed in education, employment, and life. We embed Cognitive Behavior Theory in everything we do.
In times of peace, COMPASS Peacebuilders canvass the street, connecting with young people and building trusting relationships. During times of crisis, we work in the community to de-escalate the tension and build peace. We are the only community-based violence interruption program in Hartford.
Many of the youth we serve are disconnected from education; others are under-credited or overaged and at risk of dropping out. COMPASS Education Specialists work with youth, reconnecting them to education, whether in traditional classrooms, earning their GED, or obtaining licenses and attending trade schools.
At COMPASS, we realize that the youth we serve are not ready for traditional job placement programs; often, they do not make it past the employment application process. We designed our Training for Employment Program (TEP) to provide youth with the professional skills needed to succeed. COMPASS gives youth a safe place to practice their new skills, fail, learn from their failure, and try again.
“When a young person is in my Training for Employment group, I am helping them build those skills they need to succeed in the workforce. We work hard to make them feel safe, not afraid to fail and ask questions.”
Taurean Minnilefield, TEP Supervisor
Using evidence-based curricula and Cognitive Behavior Theory, our staff helps youth understand the connection between what they feel and what they do. Our Licensed Clinical Social Workers and Peacebuilders provide life-saving skills, allowing youth to slow down, stop, and focus on what’s in front of them to make better decisions.
Trauma experts know It takes more than just medical intervention to treat young people injured by community violence. They also know that the best time to improve lives and reduce retaliation and recidivism is during the “golden hour” when a patient arrives in the emergency room. COMPASS’s Crisis Response Program is designed to meet victims of community violence during that “golden hour” at the bedside in the emergency room. Using a trauma-informed approach, our team advocates for victims of violence and their families while in the hospital.
Upon discharge, the team works with the youth and their families to develop a plan that meets their safety needs and provides case management and physical and emotional healing services. COMPASS is proud to be a member of HAVI, The National Health Alliance for Violence Intervention. Hospital Intervention Programs promote survivors’ physical and emotional recovery.
“When a young person is in my Training for Employment group, I am helping them build those skills they need to succeed in the workforce. We work hard to make them feel safe, not afraid to fail and ask questions.”
Taurean Minnilefield, TEP Supervisor