Compass, Inc., a not-for-profit, community based organization, was established in 1988 to provide supportive, educational, social and referral services to the gay, lesbian and bisexual community of Palm Beach County.

History

Compass was founded in 1988 and originally called the Stop AIDS Project of South Florida, Inc. During the next four years, our organization successfully implemented the Stop AIDS Project in Palm Beach County, which modeled the Stop AIDS Project created and implemented in San Francisco. The Stop AIDS Project would empower gay and bisexual men to make more educated decisions regarding safer sex practices.

In February 1992, our organization changed its name to Compass, Inc. and broadened its mission to include lesbian and bisexual woman. Thus, we became a full service community center for gay, lesbian and bisexual individuals. In August of 1992, the Stop AIDS Project ended their third year of funding from the Center for Disease Control. At this time, our agency transformed its resources to develop a community center, with the focus being on early intervention and the provision of information and referral services. In August 1993, Compass had hired it’s first full-time Executive Director, and was well on our way of becoming one of the largest Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Community Centers in the United States.

In 1996, Compass moved to it’s new location in downtown West Palm Beach. Compass is now the Largest Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Community Center in the South East, (from New York to Texas) and the 9^th largest G/L/B/T Community Center in the Nation.

Programs and Services

HIV/AIDS Services Program: provides Case Management Services for Adults and Teens who are living with HIV/AIDS. Other services offered are: transportation assistance and individual, group, family and couples counseling.

Safe Company is an ongoing program that seeks to empower the gay, lesbian and bisexual community to unite and fight HIV/AIDS by providing outreach and educational services.

H.O.P.E. Teen Program seeks to empower G/L/B/T teens to stay in school, continue their education and become productive citizens. Services offered are: individual, group, and family counseling.

Social/Support Groups-Compass seeks to provide a safe place for G/L/B/T groups to meet. We have many groups that meet at the center who pay a monthly fee. Some of the groups are: Women’s Groups, Men’s Groups, Couple’s Groups, Parents Groups, Narcotics Anonymous, Oasis (ages 25+), New Alternatives (ages 18-25), S.A.A. Aerobics, Human Rights Council of PB County, Atlantic Coast Democratic Club, PFLAG, Transgendered Groups, S.A.G.E (ages 55+)

Community Center

Over 2,700 sq., ft of meeting space is available for community groups to meet. Theater/Auditorium for special shows and events, commitment ceremonies, socials etc.

The Joel Michael Starkey
    Lending Library

Over 4,000 fiction, history and educational volumes can be checked out for your reading pleasure.

24 HOUR SWITCHBOARD

24 hour automated switchboard accessed by a touch-tone phone. This service provides information and referrals for gay and/or gay friendly businesses, health services, social services, night life and COMPASS happenings.

                                            (561) 833 3638