Frankie Echevarria

former Burns Elementary School Community School Program Coordinator

"COMPASS is the real deal. It’s the real deal because we understand the power of believing in people. This is a place where I learned about trust and where people have become family. It really works. I know; I’m a product of programming. Earlier in my life, I wasn’t making the best decisions and I wanted a place to hang out. COMPASS was one of the programs that gave me a safe place to be and, more importantly, valued me as a person. When I graduated high school, I was looking for work and Robert Pawloski, President/CEO of COMPASS, gave me a job. He believed in me. And I could see his vision for this organization. We have come a long way from where we started in a basement office. And great things are still to come for COMPASS. Being a part of the Community School Initiative will allow us to be open longer and in turn have a greater impact on people’s lives. I remember seeing a sign once that said ‘Success is measured by effort.' COMPASS definitely put their efforts into me and I’m proud to be here."