Compass, Inc.

We’re proud to celebrate our team member Deva Ludwig, Director of Strategic Partnerships on graduating from Leadership Montgomery! This experience strengthens our commitment to community leadership, collaboration, and equity-driven impact. Congratulations!

At the Brave in the Attempt event last week, both Brandon Lilly and Quintanna Moody delivered powerful, thoughtful talks that had the audience listening closely, laughing, and cheering. We’re so proud of them and grateful to everyone who came out to support; friends, family, Compass community members, and even Brandon’s boss from Kennedy Street Tacos at Jackie Lee's, Chef Jarren. Thank you to Special Olympics Maryland for hosting such a meaningful event and for creating space for stories that matter. Keep an eye out in the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing videos of both Compass speakers’ talks soon.

Compass participants and staff traveled to Washington, D.C. this week to take part in a 24-hour Medicaid vigil on the Capitol grounds. The event brought together advocates, allies, and public officials to speak out against proposed federal budget cuts that would cut hundreds of billions in Medicaid funding. These cuts would shift costs to states, reduce funding for service providers, and threaten access to community-based services that people with disabilities rely on. Our group of 32 attendees stood alongside many others in support of Medicaid, including Congressman Jamie Raskin, who was among the leaders who joined in to protect critical services. We’re proud to be part of this advocacy, and we’ll keep showing up.

We’re excited to share Compass' new website! https://lnkd.in/enwmgFxb. Our updated site makes it easier to navigate, features more ways to connect with Compass, and better reflects our mission and values. We've added clearer information about our programs, new resources for people exploring services, and more ways to get involved. Check it out and let us know what you think by completing our feedback form: https://lnkd.in/eHrs-d78

Maryland’s proposed budget includes deep cuts to DDA services, threatening essential supports and limiting access to care. These reductions would strain providers and undo years of progress in expanding choice and independence for people with disabilities. Our community is taking action—over 65 people have already sent more than 160 letters to state legislators, urging them to protect these critical services. It only takes a minute to join them. Enter your address, and our tool will automatically identify your legislators and provide a template letter that you can personalize or send as is. Your message will go directly to the lawmakers making these decisions. Learn more and take action today: https://lnkd.in/e3VdYa-a

On Monday, over twenty members of the Compass community joined over 1,000 advocates in Annapolis to rally against proposed cuts to the Developmental Disabilities Administration budget. We stood together to #SaveOurDDServices, making it clear that these services are essential. Check out WBAL’s coverage of the rally to learn more: https://lnkd.in/etnadfVm. Let’s continue to advocate for the services that Marylanders with disabilities rely on.

We are pleased to introduce our new Sufficiency Support Coordinator, Olubukola “Bukky” Kanyinola. Bukky brings over eight years of experience in various DDA services, with a strong background in providing care, empowerment, and advocacy for people with disabilities. She is passionate about being part of teams that support people with IDD in maintaining full control of their lives. In her new role, Bukky will oversee current and upcoming HSS initiatives while contributing her expertise to the development of the Sufficiency Supports department. Along with providing Housing Support Services, the department will pilot two programs in 2025, a peer mentoring program and benefits counseling. These developments are a significant step forward in our mission to promote self-determination and independence, empowering people to take control of their own lives, make informed decisions, and achieve their goals of self-sufficiency and inclusion in the community.

Providers from across the state gathered at the Historic Governor Calvert House yesterday for the 2025 MACS Legislative Breakfast. Attendees had the opportunity to hear from key leaders and allies in Annapolis, including Senator Guy Guzzone, Delegate Emily Shetty, Delegate Joseline Peña-Melnyk, Secretary Carol Beatty, and Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller. Each speaker reinforced the importance of our work and expressed their unwavering commitment to supporting Marylanders with developmental disabilities. The event was a powerful reminder of how collaboration between policymakers and providers drives meaningful change.

Congratulations to members of the Compass team who recently completed the Frontline Supervisor and Manager Training program at SEEC. Based on the National Frontline Supervisor Core Competencies, this program focuses on developing leadership, organizational management, and supervisory skills. Designed for those with at least one year of experience in leadership roles, such as managers and supervisors, participants spent five months building strengths in areas like strengths-based leadership, organizational planning, and critical thinking. They concluded the program with a final group presentation. We are proud of their commitment to professional growth and leadership development. #LeadershipDevelopment #CompassMaryland

At the United in Service and Support Community Resource Fair in Montgomery County last Sunday, we had the opportunity to help inform Montgomery County residents about the resources available to them and the importance of the Maryland DDA. We had conversations about disability services in Maryland, connected with other nonprofits and local representatives to discuss our common goals, and heard Montgomery County representatives speak about the vital role of community services. Thank you to everyone who took the time to stop by our table, and thank you to Council President Kate Stewart and the rest of the Montgomery County Council for hosting this event!