As demand surges, The Compass Center Gala to raise funds for needed healing programs

This paid event listing is sponsored by The Compass Center.

People tend to find The Compass Center during the lowest points of their lives. But thanks to the multifaceted work done here, powerful healing can follow.

The Compass Center was founded in 1976 and has evolved to include all those navigating healing from sexual, relational and family trauma.

“From a practical standpoint, that means we provide crisis intervention, counseling and advocacy services to victims of sexual and domestic violence,” said Jason Lemke, chief development officer.

 “We never charge for our services, regardless of income or insurance status. We hold fast to this policy because our goal is to remove barriers between the client and their path to healing, and the chief barrier for many is cost. Additionally, we simply believe that you shouldn’t have to pay for being assaulted.” 

That also means The Compass Center depends on community support. Its upcoming annual gala April 20 at the Sioux Falls Convention Center is critical.

“While The Compass Center does receive support from sources such as federal programs, the city and county, and Sioux Empire United Way, these sources leave critical gaps in many areas of victim services,” Lemke said. “An event like The Compass Center Gala provides an important opportunity for our community members to stand in that gap, stand up for victims and send a message to all those victims still out there looking for help that they are not alone.”

Demand for services steadily increased in the years leading up to the pandemic, and once daily routines returned, The Compass Center saw an expected surge in new clients, Lemke said.

“What we didn’t expect was how sustained the surge would be. Even as recently as January, we set a record for the number of new client intakes in our office in a single month,” he said. “In the past five years, the agency has doubled in size in an effort to keep up with continued increases in the need for services, and we still often operate with a waiting list for noncrisis counseling services.”

Funds raised at The Compass Center Gala support initiatives such as art therapy, new programming for teens, a play therapy program for preschoolers and a rape crisis hotline.

“The Gala is our flagship fundraising event of the year,” Lemke said. “The funds raised at the Gala are critical to ensuring that client services are sustained across the organization.”

 Guests can anticipate an evening filled with socializing, live music, a silent auction, interactive games to win prizes, a short program and a live auction. Cocktail attire is encouraged.

Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance at thecompasscentergala.com. Some might be available at the door. 

Those who can’t attend but would like to support The Compass Center can make a donation at thecompasscenter.org/donate. Some of the silent auction items will be available for remote bidding.  Those wishing to donate auction packages may contact Jason Lemke at [email protected].