Compass Community Services
Compass Community Services is a Canadian nonprofit organization providing affordable mental health and social services in Guelph-Wellington. Established in 1964 as a prevention-oriented program under the Children's Aid Society, it later incorporated as an independent nonprofit. Formerly known as Family Counselling and Support Services for Guelph-Wellington, the agency rebranded to Compass Community Services in 2021 to reflect its expanded scope and commitment to guiding individuals through life challenges[1][3][5].

Services
The organization offers:

• Psychotherapy: Individual, couple, family, and youth counseling, including trauma-informed care for abuse survivors[1][4].
• Developmental support: Service coordination for individuals with developmental disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)[1][3].
• Workplace wellness: A nonprofit Employee Assistance Program (EAP) tailored to local businesses[1].
• Crisis intervention: Walk-in/same-day counseling and specialized programs addressing domestic violence[4][5].

History and Impact
Originally focused on preventive family services, Compass expanded to address evolving community needs, including abuse recovery and mental health crises[3][5]. Notable achievements include:

• Awards: Attorney General’s Victim Services Award of Distinction (2016) for its Breaking Free program and Consumer Choice Award for Credit and Debt Counselling (2017–18)[3].
• Leadership recognition: Executive Director Joanne Young Evans received the Guelph Y 2017 Women of Distinction award[3].
• Community reach: Serves multiple locations, including Guelph, Fergus, and Mount Forest, emphasizing accessibility and resilience-building during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic[1][3].

Governance
Compass operates under a nonprofit structure, supported by professional staff and community volunteers. Its programs prioritize affordability and inclusivity, aligning with its mission to strengthen individual and family well-being[1][5].