About Us
Our Core Values
To provide an innovative approach to transition from homelessness to permanent independent living.
At Project Kompass, we truly value the uniqueness of each and every resident. Our programming is not one size fits all. We work closely with all of our residents and along with our staff and case managers strive to develop an individualized plan that bridges housing insecurity to sustainable independence.
Together with our Board of Directors, donors and incredibly dedicated volunteers, we intend to maintain our flexibility, personalized care and investment in new programming that benefits the youth and young adults in our community.
Our Impact
November 2020 to present
Our History
After spending long careers in corporate positions and small businesses, the founders of Project Kompass began looking towards the next chapter and ways to turn their energies and skills towards helping others and paying it forward.
After months of research and meetings with local nonprofit agencies and government officials, we discovered that there was a severe shortage of suitable housing options for homeless young adults. Overnight shelters and traditional group homes did not provide an adequate transition period and tended to house individuals with addiction and/or serious mental health issues. As a result, the young adults we serve tended to couch-surf, sleep in their cars or reside in other unsafe situations.
We decided to change the model and find a safe and nurturing space where residents could stay for a longer period of time while we created a personalized development plan to help them gain the necessary skills, training and financial resources to move towards permanent housing independence.
The Road We've Traveled
- Project Kompass incorporates (501C3) – January 2020
- Acquires 1st home in North Chelmsford, MA – April 2020
- Welcomes family of 4 during renovations, stays 11 months, saves $30K – July 2020
- North Chelmsford opens and welcomes first young adult – November 2020
- North Chelmsford at capacity – April 2021
- Acquires 2nd home and begins renovations, Lowell, MA – May 2021
- Welcomes Mom & Baby into Lowell home – January 2022
- Lowell at capacity – June 2022
- Collaborates with Hidden Pond Derry, LLC to introduce Project Farm – June 2022
- Partnered with Small House, Inc to incorporate Life Skill Workshop(s) – September 2022
- Expands Life Skill Workshop to area youth and young adults – April 2023
- Collaborates with Aldrich Family Charitable Foundation and the Greater Lowell Community Foundation to roll out the JumpStart Scholarship program - September 2023
- Collaborates with Planned Parenthood for monthly educational workshops – November 2023
- Introduces a structured finiancial literacy and wellness program managed by Jeanne D'Arc Credit Union – December 2023
Empower Change, Transform Lives. Support Project Kompass Today!
Board of Directors
Dave Aldrich
Board Chairman, Founder
Ronnie Hoey
Executive Director, Board Member and Founder
Laura Gasparini
Board Member
Shannon Forsythe
Board Member
Venessa Masterson
Board Member
Maura McGilvery
Board Member
Rodney Elliott
Board Member
Laura Gasparini
Board Member
Shannon Forsythe
Board Member
Venessa Masterson
Board Member
Maura McGilvery
Board Member
Allistair Former
Board Member
Our Team
Kathy Moriarty
Operations & Facilities Manager
Dee Drolet
Residential Case Manager
Raymond Wood
Facilities
Diane Burke
Lead Volunteer - Finances
Raegan Downs
Lead Volunteer - Mom & Baby Program
Nurse Kathy
Lead Volunteer - On-Call Medical Advisor
Michele Hoey
Lead Volunteer - Contractor
Martha Quigley
Lead Volunteer - Project Farm
Gaby Spear
Lead Volunteer - In-kind Donations