Agency Details:

The Compass Center is dedicated to breaking the cycle of domestic and sexual violence through victim/survivor services, batterer intervention programs, education, outreach and prevention.

Our vision is to become the area leader in services and education related to sexual assault, domestic violence and stalking, with acknowledged excellence in direct services provision, public relations and outreach efforts, while attracting new grants and donors.

Description:
We provide the following services:

EDUCATION:

The Compass Center makes presentations to a variety of diverse organizations about date rape, domestic violence, prevention, safety, sexual assault and witnessing violence. These presentations vary, from training workshops for police officers and shelters, to information sessions for high school and college students.

SURVIVOR EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM:

The Compass Center is committed to assisting survivors of violence through the healing process. The Survivor’s Empowerment Program serves both male and female victims of violence, as well as children. Services include:ongoing or group therapy, advocacy at the hospital, courthouse or police station,assistance with safety planning,help filing protection orders or victims’ compensation applications, and information, support or assistance in obtaining necessary resources.

PLAY THERAPY:
The Play Therapy program serves children, both male & female, ages 3-12. This program is free of charge and services children who have either witnessed or been victims of domestic violence or sexual assault themselves.

FAMILY VIOLENCE PROJECT:

The Family Violence Project offers opportunity for change through weekly treatment groups for men or women who want to learn non-violent life skills. Learning begins with identifying escalating violence, and presents various ways to handle potentially dangerous situations in the family. The skills are taught in a group atmosphere and each person is treated with respect and dignity, many for the first time in their lives. Participants, either court-mandated or voluntary, attend weekly meetings that are both educational and therapeutic in nature.

TEEN VIOLENCE PROJECT:

This is modeled after the Family Violence Project and assists teenagers, ages 13-17 in developing skills for healthy, non-violent relationships.

History:
In the 1970’s, a grassroots organization was born in the Sioux Empire. Local citizens recognized the need for programs to deal with problems that are not often spoken of. The goal of the organization was to reduce the incidence of rape and domestic violence in our rapidly growing region.

This non-profit organization, now known as The Compass Center, offers many programs to help individuals with rape and domestic abuse issues.

In an average year, the various programs and services offered by The Compass Center assist thousands of individuals in the surrounding area. The Compass Center is continually reviewing its programs and services to fit the needs of our ever-changing community. Our goal is to help break the cycle of violence wherever it exists.

Contact people:

Courtny Nesheim, Volunteer Coordinator, (605) 339-0116, (email) Janet Kittams-Lalley, Executive Director, (605) 339-0116, (email)

Address:

401 E. 8th Street, Suite 211 Sioux Fallls, SD 57103 (See a map)

Directions:

We are located on 8th Street and Reid between Minnesota Ave. and Cliff Ave. We are 3 blocks east of the downtown Holiday Inn. It's the 8th and RailRoad Center - Josephine's Floral is on the 1st floor. . . (more)

Miscellaneous Information

Does this agency accept court-ordered community service?
	No
Does this agency accept youth volunteers?
	No
What is the minimum age to volunteer?
	18
What is the standard minimum age requirement for youth volunteers?
	NA
Does this agency accept corporate group volunteers?
	Yes
Do you have volunteer opportunities for families?
	Yes
Does your agency accept youth groups that are supervised by adults?
	Yes