Walk-in hours every Thursday from 8am-12pm

Establishing successful & lasting Pathways Out Of Poverty and towards stability and self-sufficiency.

Assisting those in need NAVIGATE LIFE through a host of in-house services, as well as connecting clients to our network of other local non-profit partners, resources, & funded programs.

THE MISSION:

To provide guidance and support in accessing and utilizing essential services while navigating a lasting and successful Pathway Out Of Poverty through internal programs and local community partnerships designed and aligned to compliment the overall vision of the United Way of Hall County.

IN HOUSE SERVICES

These services are provided in-house by our full-time Case Managers.

  • Individualized Case Management services providing an answer to a range of needs like: government application assistance, housing assistance, employment support, healthcare access, financial literacy, etc.

  • Assistance in discharge planning, supplies, and financial support for individuals being released from jail.

  • Assistance in obtaining discounted state IDs as well as purchasing of birth, death, and marriage certificates to help clients obtain legal identification that they otherwise have never had or known how to obtain.

  • Financial aid and assistance for individuals displaced in Hall County seeking to travel back to their “hometown” to be surrounded by a healthy support system and their own local resources.

OUR LOCAL PARTNERSHIPS + FUNDED PROGRAMS

We know we can’t do this alone. It’s because of our collaborative efforts with our local partners + funded programs that our clients are more likely to experience successful and lasting Pathways Out of Poverty.

WHO IS A COMPASS CENTER CLIENT?

Our clients come from diverse backgrounds, but they all share one common goal: the desire to thrive. While many assume those in need are currently living in poverty, the need here in Hall County extends ABOVE the Federal Poverty line. Many Compass Center clients, despite being employed, still struggle to maintain successful economic mobility.

DEFINing ALICE: Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed.

  • Meet Kelly, an elementary school teacher in Hall County. She’s a single mom who works full-time, earning around $45,000 a year.

    Despite her education and a good career, Kelly still struggles to cover essential expenses for herself and her child. Her income is decent but still below the self-sufficient threshold, which for a single mom of a toddler is $53,000/year.

    Kelly turned to The Compass Center for support and is actively creating a better life for she and her family.

OUR COLLEAGUES, NEIGHBORS, & FRIENDS are ALICE!

ALICE represents those who earn above the federal poverty line of $26,000 but below the self-sufficient threshold of $96,000 for a family of four. They work hard and hold essential roles in our community, such as grocery store clerks, elementary school teachers, baristas, and medical assistants. One unexpected cost or emergency could cause financial setback.

Over half of Hall County's population falls into this category, highlighting a significant need for support that goes beyond traditional poverty lines. The Compass Center is dedicated to assisting ALICE individuals and families, providing them with the resources and support necessary to achieve self-sufficiency and stability.

  • John, a medical assistant, and his wife Nancy, a barista, both work full-time jobs. Together, they earn a combined annual income of around $80,000. With two young children, the Johnsons face significant expenses, including childcare, housing expenses, transportation, and healthcare.

    Although their income is above the federal poverty line, it falls below the self-sufficient threshold for a family of four in Hall County - John & his family are ALICE.

    Despite their hard work, they struggle to cover all their essential needs but have found new hope and are working on a plan with The Compass Center to establish better economic mobility through local resources they’d otherwise not known about.