More often than not, the first instinct of those who grow up in Highbridge is to get out as soon as possible—and never look back. The Highbridge community in the South Bronx had long been isolated in every way: our residents were off the radar screen of citywide leaders and out of touch with one another. We needed an effective way to communicate outside and inside our neighborhood. Compass provided the blueprint, the training, and the program to enable us to start the Highbridge Horizon community newspaper, a publication that I can honestly say transformed the life of our community, renewing our hope and pride. A founding member of the paper, I assumed the role of editor-in-chief in early 2001. I love the opportunity this has given me to be a community leader as well as be part of a lasting change. I have a stake in this community and I want to see it flourish.

Denae Brewer | Editor in Chief | Highbridge Horizon Newspaper

Compass Communications works to empower residents of low-income neighborhoods to speak out effectively on issues of common concern, to advocate measures that will improve their lives and the lives of their communities—and to be heard.

To that end, Compass

• designs and implements education programs that teach communications skills to community residents, including writing, editing, public speaking, photography, graphic design, and videography
• creates community newspapers, produces and publishes neighborhood journals, develops intergenerational oral history projects, and establishes community communications centers, including publications offices, a multimedia center, and a video production studio.

All Compass programs are operated entirely by and for community residents. After receiving training through Compass and experience through participation in a project, residents become project leaders and communications instructors, passing on their skills to their neighbors. So these programs are sustained and the skills base of the community continues to grow largely through the efforts of community members themselves.