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31 S. Dorcas Street • Suite A •Lewistown, Pennsylvania 17044
(717) 248-6261
OUR PURPOSE: Compass Community Connections purpose is to create a community that honors personal dignity, embraces diversity and promotes full inclusion for persons with disabilities.
OUR VISION: Compass Community Connections envisions a community where personal dignity is honored, diversity is embraced and full inclusion for persons with disabilities is promoted in all aspects of life.
OUR MISSION: Compass Community Connections accepts people for who they are. We promote self-advocacy and encourage self-efficacy in all endeavors of everyday life.
Compass Community Connections dates back to the 1930’s with the local Rotary club providing assistants to individuals with disabilities. In the 1950’s the Mifflin County Society for Crippled Children & Adults was created and served about 18 individuals in only a few programs. Since then we have had a few name changes and grown to serve over 300 individuals from birth to older adult in over a dozen different programs.
©Support Services – A program of support for families with an individual member who has a disability. It helps families manage budgets established to meet the unique needs of their loved one and to understand the concept of self-determination – a philosophy that supports people with disabilities choosing how, where & with whom they will live their lives. This support program operates as an Agency with Choice Service that allows families to have a role in the process by referring employees to the agency for hire & managing the support workers’ schedules based on family needs. We also work with contractors & vendors to secure bids and complete work for home and vehicle modifications or adaptive appliances and equipment.
©Marcella Ganoe Center & Compass Corner – As licensed Adult Training Facilities, one is located at 439 South Juniata Street & the other is located in the ComPASS Center building on Dorcas Street. They operate year-round, five days per week with programs designed to maximize an individual’s opportunity to participate in their community. Staff serves as role models and challenges each participant to reach their highest level of ability in daily living skills, social & physical development, and community participation through volunteering or employment at places of their choice.
©Early Intervention – Early Intervention is a program that provides assistance to families of infants & children from birth to 3 years of age who need help in areas of cognitive, speech, gross & fine motor, and social/emotional development & self-help skills. It provides training for the parents and caregivers in supporting the unique needs of each child through coaching by a team of Special Instructors, Occupational & Speech Therapists who are on staff.
©Training and Transition – This is a group for high school students, which meets regularly at both in and out of school settings in Mifflin & Juniata counties. It provides opportunities to learn through both classroom and real-life experiences in the community. It also provides a time for participants to explore further education, training, volunteering or employment opportunities and to exercise responsibility for their future.
©Adult Recreation – This is a fun time for adults to meet once a month in each county that we serve, Huntingdon, Mifflin and Juniata Counties. Group activities provide a time for socialization, games, and many other activities.
©Teen Club – This program offers an opportunity for young people ages 14 through 21 to meet monthly. We offer groups in Mifflin & Juniata counties. It provides time for socialization, fun, and doing things every teen wants to do. For those interested, there is a Venturing Program in cooperation with the local Boy Scout Council as well.
©After School Program/Bridge – This program offers an opportunity for middle school students with autism to be together at regularly scheduled times. It includes organized recreational & social time in the community or at one of our Community Connections buildings.
©Recreation Programs – Compass Community Connections provides many recreational opportunities for individuals of all ages. The T-ball program organizes teams in mid-spring and runs through early summer. Additionally, a Challenger little league program is offered in cooperation with Mifflin County Youth baseball.
©Summer Recreation Programs – A six (6) to eight (8) week summer recreation program is offered for teen-aged participants. For the younger group, our Summer Bridge program design is to be both fun & educational. It helps bridge the summer gap by keeping youth in a structured program during these few months away from school. Adults participate in monthly scheduled evening recreational activities in all three counties.
©Equipment Loan & Assistive Technology – A selection of equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, canes, potty chairs and other devices loaned out to those who need them. We also help others in accessing hundreds of assistive devices on a trial basis to individuals who inquire. Consultation & research is provided free of charge.
©Sign Language Classes – Classes offered from beginner to intermediate level courses for those seeking to learn more about this form of communication. These are held on an intermittent basis as needed.
©Aktion Club - This is a community service club organized for adults with disabilities and the Lewistown Kiwanis Club is their sponsor. The mission of this group is to develop leadership skills within its membership, have fun together and to volunteer regularly in our community.
© Community Integration & Employment Services – This service helps fulfill our ultimate mission of full inclusion for people with disabilities in all aspects of community life through training and support toward independent living & competitive employment. All staff hold certification in Customized Employment thru Marc Gold & Associates.
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