Why We’re Here

The Compass Center provides prevention education, crisis intervention, counseling, and advocacy to children, adolescents, and adults (all gender identities and gender expressions) who are survivors of domestic/dating violence, sexual assault, child sexual abuse, and human trafficking/sexual exploitation.  All survivor services are free and confidential, and the organization does not discriminate on any basis.

The organization believes the Sioux Falls community has the power to stop violence, and it seeks to educate and inform the community on the prevalence of sexual and domestic violence in the area, the impact of violence, and what can be done to make the community a safe place to work, play, and live.

History

The Compass Center began in 1975 as a grassroots effort to work with victims of rape.  Incorporated in 1976 as Citizens Against Rape, the organization grew and added domestic violence, batterer prevention, and play therapy to its list of services.  The organization changed its name to The Compass Center in 2008. Today The Compass Center offers counseling and advocacy services to primary and secondary victims of sexual assault and domestic violence, community education and prevention.

In an average year, the various programs and services offered by The Compass Center assist over 1,000 individuals in the Sioux Falls metro area. The Compass Center is continually reviewing its programs and services to fit the needs of our ever-changing community.

Mission

Navigating the journey to healing for all affected by sexual, relational, and family trauma.

Vision

To empower our community to find their voice in promoting safety, preventing violence, and instilling hope.

Values

Safety:  confidentiality, resources for safety planning, prevention

Commitment:  do what it takes, meet people where they are, eliminate barriers [including cost]

Compassion:  empathetic, attentive, engaging, respectful, honest

Integrity:  professional ethics, honest, timely

Expertise:  innovative, best practices, quality, self-care, positive outcomes

Strategic Goals

Build Capacity and service quality in all current programs.

Expand education and prevention resources with a commitment to evidence-based best practices.

Expand its partnership with donors, funders, and affiliated partners to assure mission fulfillment.