2020 ANNUAL CO M PA S S I O N REPORT
Welcome A LETTER FROM OUR DIRECTOR OF PHIL ANTHROPY In a year filled with so much uncertainty, some families knew one thing for sure, they needed to travel for life-saving medical treatment, no matter what the world’s current standing was. On top of managing appointments, grasping new diagnoses, navigating unfamiliar cities, and uncovering never ending costs, they also had to consider finding a temporary home throughout a global pandemic. Often, families repeatedly stay with us throughout follow up appointments and treatment. Time and time again, they tell us about the relief they feel knowing that we have their housing handled so they can focus on healing. Our private living spaces, enhanced cleaning protocols, and compassionate drive have ensured the safety of our Compass Cares guests and staff during the pandemic. Our relationships with other like-minded organizations have allowed us to provide even more comfort and security. Our innovative, forward thinking approach has allowed us to create an even larger impact by focusing on the things that matter most. Our mission-driven approach to business, our love of community, and our desire to do good is what drives us. These factors are what will lead our team into 2021, as we continue to transform how patients and families travel for medical treatment. 2020 gave us an opportunity to create a deeper impact. The foundation of our Compass Cares program is strong. That will be seen as you read about families who have stayed with us and became family, our expanded relationship with Hospitality Homes, and the impact our program has had on our staff. It is truly my honor to present to you our 2020 Compassion Report. 02
TABLE OF CONTENTS Our Impact 04 Year in Review 06 The Pandemic 10 Spirit of Community 20 Partnerships 36 Compass Crew Stories 48 Patient Stories 52 Where Are They Now 64 What‘s Ahead 72 Get Involved 74 03
Impact 15,013 DISCOUNTED ROOM NIGHTS TO PATIENTS AND FAMILIES 567 FAMILIES WHO STAYED IN A COMPASS CARES APARTMENT $60,969 RAISED FOR THE ROOM TO HEAL FUND AT BOSTON CHILDREN‘S HOSPITAL 04
PROUD TO HELP PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES EVERYDAY AND IN EVERY WAY 2020 4 , 247 ROOM NIGHTS 146 FAMILIES HELPED $ 7, 9 5 5 FUNDS RAISED FOR ROOM TO HEAL 05
Year In Review Compass Cares Apartment Program Working in the hospitality industry, we understand patients and their families may need to travel for medical treatment. We created our Compass Cares apartment program as a way to keep families close during these stressful times. This program offers our furnished apartments, year round, at deeply discounted rates. According to Boston Children’s Hospital Patient Family Housing Program, Boston Children‘s Hospital puts more than 1,000 families per year on the wait list for housing accommodations, a harrowing statistic that further cemented our awareness of the housing crisis for patients and families. There is much research that supports the notion that patients, especially children, heal faster and cope better with hospitalization where their family members are housed on-site or nearby. However, hospitals simply cannot meet the housing demand. We created our apartment program in response to this need. Compass Cares offers the gift of solace to patients and families in a quiet and cozy apartment, while also providing a sense of stability during such a difficult time. (read more on page 12) Leading With Compassion Everyone’s health, job security, and stress levels had major ups and downs within 2020. While some focused on boarding up and making as little waves as possible, others were focused on how they could do their part, join the movement, and help everyone recover. Now more than ever, we need to approach life with more compassion and empathy. Our Compass Cares program reminds us that the human side to business is the most important side. (read our patient stories on page 52) 06
Housing Our Heroes As Coronavirus continued to spread, all of our available housing was ready for those who needed it, whether it was medical staff, frontline workers, professors, students, or high-risk individuals. (read more on page 12) Room To Heal We proudly support Boston Children‘s Hospital. As part of a multi-year commitment, we have set up the Room to Heal. Through this fund, we have pledged to raise $90,000 in support of the hospital so they can provide guidance, comfort, and laughter to patients and families when it‘s needed most. (read more on page 8) Staying In Touch Every Compass Cares family has a special place in our hearts, no matter how long it’s been since they’ve stayed with us. Page 64 is a dedicated “Where Are They Now” section that continues the stories of last years patients, how our relationship has grown, and how their family has managed throughout all of 2020’s uncertainty. Hospitality Homes Our partnership with Hospitality Homes has increased 1,935% since last year. Our dedication and ability to join forces ensured that Hospitality Homes never had to turn a family away from housing. We were able to house all Hospitality Homes families that came our way, providing a much needed place of respite for everyone. (read more on page 38) 07
Ro om To H ea l As part of a multi-year commitment, we have set up the Room To Heal fund at Boston Children‘s Hospital , pledging to raise $90,000 over three years in support of their Patient and Family Services Department so they can provide guidance, comfort, and hope to patients and families when it‘s needed most. When staying with Compass, a portion of profits are donated to this cause. This past year, the money that has been raised for our Room To Heal Fund was able to fund 4 incredible programs at the Hale Family Center for Families at Boston Children‘s Hospital. ICU Parent Sleep Spaces The Hale Family Center for Families supports 16 individual sleep rooms with showers for caregivers with children who are hospitalized in the intensive care units. In the past year, the rooms were occupied for 4,013 nights and at a 65% occupancy. A few rooms on campus were lost due to the construction of the new Hale Building therefore the center also hosted families in 4 rooms at a nearby hotel that were occupied for 1,364 nights at 93% occupancy. These rooms are free to caregivers and provide modest amenities for a well-deserved night’s rest and shower to be able to restore between caring for their loved one. To give privacy for families, the area requires special keys, similar to a hotel. The Room to Heal fund was able to purchase 2,500 new keys that allow access to the spaces. “I work with a family who has a very medically complex 11-year-old daughter. Her parents are extremely dedicated to her and have devoted their lives to her care. Unfortunately, this patient requires frequent hospitalizations and has spent many months in the ICU. While inpatient, her mother is always at bedside and her dad travels back and forth as he has to keep working. The sleep space provides this mom with an escape where she can go to get some rare, uninterrupted sleep. This helps to keep the mom healthy and well, which makes her a better caretaker for her daughter. The value that the sleep space has for this family, and so many others like them, is so great and I am so thankful to be able to offer them to our ICU families.” – Child Life Specialist 08
Bilingual Bookmarks Cecilia Matos, Program Coordinator at the Hale Family Center for Families, and members of the Interpretive Services Team have developed several educational resources for Spanish-speaking families. The resources provided include various parent support groups for Spanish speakers, 12 educational videos in Spanish on various hospital topics, and the Spanish Experience Journal, video journals of patient stores in Spanish. To share the information about the resources available for Spanish-speaking families, 500 bilingual bookmarks were printed. The Room to Heal Fund supported ordering these bookmarks shared with many Spanish-speaking families who visit the hospital. Back-To -School - Bags In the fall of 2019, the Hale Family Center for Families started a new initiative for back to school support for patients. The team purchased backpacks to fill with schools supplies and presented them to 150 patients. This program was an overwhelming success, so it continued for the 2020 school year. Since school needs differed for families facing remote learning, the bags were filled with traditional school supplies (pencils, pens, notebooks, crayons, rulers) as well as headphones and items for kids to personalize their home workstation. Once again, the team was able to distribute 150 fully-supplied backpacks to patients being seen at Boston Children’s Primary Care Center, the Martha Eliot Health Center (Boston Children’s community health center in Jamaica Plain), and across the various inpatient units. The Room to Heal Fund supported the supplies provided to families in need. Parent-Caregivers Coffee Hour The Hale Family Center for Families introduced a weekly afternoon coffee hour for parent-caregivers. Facilitated by the Manager of the Center, families from inpatient units and outpatient clinics were invited to sit down for a cup of coffee and treats to take a break and connect with other parents alike. The participants were grateful for the time to recharge before heading back to their child’s bedside. Although these meetings had to stop once the COVID-19 pandemic hit, there were still 19 groups offered with 75 parents participating. The Room to Heal Fund supported the coffee and treats at these coffee hours. “Coming to coffee hour was always something nice to look forward too. It was so great to be able to take break away from the Dialysis Units and meet other parents of patients.” – Mindy, mother of Dialysis patient 09
The Pandemic That Struck The World As a business with available furnished apartments in major cities, close to hospitals, and professional sanitization measures, we knew we were in a position to respond to this pandemic in an important and meaningful way. 010
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Things have changed The world changed in 2020. Our team stepped back and allowed ourselves to change with it. 2020 gave us a new understanding of what it means to provide a safe place of respite when people need it most. We give those needing housing safety, solace, and the ability to keep their family close during life’s most challenging times. Our process is constantly evolving, improving, and growing. However, one thing for sure is that we’re with you. Our COMPASSion will continue to drive us, no matter what gets thrown our way. Shelter In Place Program Throughout 2020, we have heard countless stories of people scrambling for a place to stay, needing additional accommodations, or a lodging alternative that can provide distance to family members at risk. Not everyone had an available, affordable place to stay that allowed them to isolate safely. Our apartments were made available to everyone needing shelter. Frontline Worker Housing We provided frontline workers with safe, spacious housing, all while remaining close to the hospital. Flexible lease terms, discounted rates, and working with hospitals ensured all staff had available housing when they need it. Our frontline workers shouldn‘t have to stress over finding a place to live as they’re working day-in and day-out to keep us safe. 012
FLEXIBILITY PROUD TO HELP PATIENTS, Due to the pandemic’s uncertainty, we immediately FAMILIES, AND lowered our rates and added extra flexibility for all ESSENTIAL budgets, lifestyles, and needs so we can best support WORKERS our community. EVERYDAY AND IN EVERY WAY MITIGATING E XPOSURE Compass Cleaning 2.0 was introduced last year as a commitment to our guests to continuously provide safe, sterilized, and clean apartments. Families can feel comfortable knowing that our newly enhanced cleaning protocols have reduced touch points with guests and ensure our apartments are sanitized utilizing EPA approved disinfectants. COMFORT & CARE Our overall mission was to provide the safe haven people are looking for - a place that allows them to decompress and rest. We will continue to lead with compassion and use our Compass Cares program to lead by example. 013
Our hope is that staying in a Compass apartment will alleviate some of the stress families face during the most difficult times. 014
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How Our Compass Cares Program Prepared Us For The Pandemic Written by Eric Fleming For the past 14 years, Chris and I strived to run a company with the mindset of creating a home for not only our clients, but also our Compass Crew. The culture we’ve nurtured over the years has truly created a sense of family that’s fueled by our shared COMPASSion - so much so that it’s become a pillar of our business model. This value guides us as we face the uncertainty and difficult challenge of responding to COVID-19, which the World Health Organization has declared a pandemic. Now, more than ever, we need to approach life with more compassion and empathy. We have a duty as humans to use our time, energy, and resources to help each other, our community, and make the difficult things simple. See how our Compass Cares program prepared our team, our business, and our priorities to be equipped with handling this pandemic. The Beginning Of Crisis Ever since the start of the world‘s self-isolation period, we’ve heard heart wrenching stories of our community displaced during this time. Many people don’t have the luxury of self isolating in their own home while on lockdown. Or, if they do, they’re hunkered down, sometimes in close quarters, which can be scary if they have a high risk family member, loved one, or worse, a relative who‘s gotten sick. We knew that we were in a position to provide this imperative place of solace and comfort being a business who has available furnished apartments 016
ready to go. So, that’s exactly what we started doing. We‘ve been doing our part to provide solace and act as a resource for those who need it most. We started reaching out to universities to house students once campuses began to shut down, house doctors and nurses who needed a close place to crash while they‘re in and out of shifts, and even house international travelers who can‘t go back to their home country. We wanted everyone to know that of course we’re going to accommodate them and their family, for as long as they need. 017
Our Plan We’ve mobilized all of our available inventory throughout the northeast for wherever, whenever and however long you’ll need - with extreme flexibility. These apartments are completely furnished with full kitchens, high speed internet, and all the utilities you know and love. The perfect shelter in place oasis. Our Compass Cares program constantly reminds us to remember the human side to business. So, I‘ll leave you with this: Whenever you and your family need a place to call home, remember that we’ll be there with open doors and open hearts. 018
Our desire to help and inspire others goes beyond our day-to-day Chris Fleming CEO, Compass Furnished Apartments Chris Fleming & Family 019
Spirit of Community Our Compassion program is rooted in a foundation to volunteer, fundraise, and support our community in any way we can. This year, we were able to fundraise and virtually participate in incredible events, such as Closer To Free, Corporate Cup, and Giving Tuesday. We are so grateful for being in a position to help others. The more involved we get, the more passionate and committed we are to growing this program. 020
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Closer To Free Ride The Closer to Free Ride is an annual event sponsored by Yale New Haven Hospital and local businesses to create awareness for the hospital and to raise funds for cancer research and development. The funds are also used to help patients and families fighting the disease. Due to the pandemic, local regulations and health concerns prevented an in-person ride, but our team was able to unite virtually to deliver hope, love, and support. We raised essential funds for those who need it most and had the incredible ability to come together as a team despite working from home throughout the year (photos on page 24). Ever ybody Water Everybody Water is a local New England company that supplies premium water in a carton that helps fund sustainable water and sanitation infrastructure systems that empower people and bring clean running water into homes for the first time. We partnered with Everybody Water, including their product within each of our Welcome Baskets. This year, we were able to show support to our frontline workers at Yale New Haven Hospital by donating 800 cartons of Everybody Water. Hospitality Homes Donations On top of the incredible growth and expansion 2020 brought to our partnership with Hospitality Homes, we were able to donate a plethora of furniture to their team, helping to furnish their additional housing options for patients and families in need. See our furniture inside their apartments and learn more about our partnership with Hospitality Homes on page 40! 022
Food & Clothing Drives Each year our Crew and our residents join forces to collect food and clothing for our local communities and shelters. We are proud supporters of the Greater New Haven Food Bank and Greater Boston Food Bank. Project Appalachia At Compass, we continue to update our furnishings and housewares to ensure our apartments always have the highest quality furniture and furnishings. Therefore, we work with Project Appalachia to donate our gently used goods in hopes that our furnishings will be able to make someone’s life much easier. Project Appalachia is a volunteer charitable organization that provides humanitarian aid to those in need. Community Support Many of our community programs come in the form of sponsorship or donation to localized fundraisers and initiatives. We pride ourselves in supporting not only our crew’s passions, but also to aid in that of our community. 023
Closer To Free Ride With Compass 024
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Compass Crew Game Day Faces 026
Motivational signs from our crew to surprise our 2020 Corporate Cup Partner, Emma! (pg. 28) Virtual Corporate Cup Corporate Cup is an event full of friendly competition, a lot of energy, and inspiring camaraderie within the business community, where all funds raised go to Boston Children’s Every Child Fund. Corporate teams battle for points and glory in different events (think of it as a ‘Corporate Field Day’). This year’s virtual Corporate Cup had creative at-home events that were just as challenging and full of excitement, including a step challenge, water shootout, mental gymnastics, and many more. To date, this event has raised over $633,000, where every dollar goes to The Every Child Fund, helping provide a healthy future to every child. Compass is honored to be a part of this incredible program. We‘re here to help Boston Children’s do what they do best: treat children who can’t find help anywhere else, offer healing support to their families, and advance research that finds more lifesaving solutions. 027
Meet Emma Our 2020 Corporate Cup Par tner, Long time Boston Children‘s Patient, and Incredible Human Hey there, I’m Emma! I’m thirteen and have been at Boston Children’s Hospital ever since I was born. While there‘s been a lot of ups and downs during my journey, never once have I faced them alone. Doctors, nurses, and so many others at Boston Children‘s Hospital stand with me to help through tough times and to celebrate good times. Keep reading to learn more about me, BCH‘s Corporate Cup event, and partnering with Compass for the 2020 event! MORE ABOUT ME When I was first born, I had to go through a few procedures, one of which was a EA/TEF repair (esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistuala repair). My parents were so grateful to have access to the care available at Boston Children’s Hospital. The doctors there made sure that I was taken good care of and stayed healthy. Throughout my life, and still to this day, I have continued to undergo procedures, tests, and appointments. I‘m currently doing testing for food allergies related to EOE (eosinophilic esophagitis). As scary as all of it may be, I know that there is no reason to worry. The doctors and nurses are so kind and caring. From kind words to detailed explanations, I know I‘m in good hands at Boston Children’s Hospital. When I‘ve been scared, the staff instantly cheered me up with stuffed animals, coloring books, and even clowns! Boston Children’s Hospital‘s kindness doesn’t only extend to me - these kind words and actions are shared with all patients and their families. 028
CORPOR ATE CUP & COMPASS Boston Children’s Hospital and its staff have done so much for myself and others. Their care has reached so many patients and families and changed lives for the better. As a younger kid, it was hard to realize all that the hospital, and those that support them, has done for me and other patients. However, now that I’m older I understand the amazing things they have done and continue to do. Knowing this, I‘ve decided that I wanted to give back. If I can help Boston Children’s Hospital, they can help even more kids like myself. Being able to help make that happen is amazing. That‘s why I am so happy to be partnered with Compass Furnished Apartments in the 2020 Corporate Cup! The Corporate Cup is an event organized by BCH for patients and companies to participate in together. Each company is paired with a patient who shares their story and helps to reach out to others. Companies and patients work together to fundraise for BCH for a few weeks. At the end, all companies participate in a competitive (virtual) field day. The Corporate Cup is an event organized to allow people to give back to Boston Children’s Hospital and help them help others as well as have some fun along the way! 029
Giving Tuesday Giving Tuesday was created as a philanthropic response to the consumerism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. In a time of shopping and sales, our ‘give back’ mentality tends to get pushed to the side. This is a day that encourages people to do good. Over the past seven years, this idea has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity. Last year, nonprofits from more than 150 countries participated to raise an impressive $400 million through 3.6 million individual gifts. Whether it’s making someone smile, helping a neighbor or stranger out, or giving some of what we have to those who need our help. Every act of generosity counts and everyone has something to give. This year, Chris and Eric Fleming wanted to do something special for Giving Tuesday. Every night booked within the entire week of Giving Tuesday was matched towards a free night for patients and families needing housing with Hospitality Homes (page 38). “2020 has been hard on everyone. More than anything, Chris and I want remind you to continue doing more good. Let’s all do our part and help make a difference in whatever way we can.” - Eric Fleming, President of Compass Furnished Apartments 030
I Give Because... “...it makes my heart smile” Emily (Mama G), Compass Guest Services “... I believe in the power of community” Kiara, Compass Guest Services “...giving is what reminds us that we need each other, and we are all in this together!” Julie (JJ), Compass Director of Operations “...my small gift can have a big impact” Maddy, Compass Content Creator “...together, we are stronger and can do more than we’ve ever imagined” Amber, Compass Director of Philanthropy “...it makes my heart sing!” Ann, Compass Finance Manager 031
Shine Your Light Kids fighting illness look to Boston Children’s Hospital for answers and brighter, healthier days. For one night each year over 50 local landmarks work together to raise funds and illuminate the whole city in Boston Children’s blue, as a beacon of hope for those kids. Compass was honored to be a part of Shine Your Light 2020, a magical night that raised over $120,000. We lit up our ARTlab Living Back Bay location for patients and families at Boston Children’s Hospital. 032
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Hearts For Healthcare Workers Our crew and their families tapped into their creative sides to show their support for the heroes on the front lines. Each of our homemade hearts were placed on our doors or mailboxes to show our healthcare workers that we are rooting for them as they drive to the front lines and selflessly care for our community. See their creations above! 035
It‘s All About Partnership 036
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Our Partnership With Hospitality Homes Hospitality Homes is a nonprofit organization that provides short-term housing in volunteer host homes for families and friends of patients receiving medical care in the Boston area. Their services are made possible by the generosity of volunteer hosts and supporters. However, sometimes patients need private housing and that‘s where we come in. By providing affordable, private, furnished safe havens, we have been honored to keep these patients and their families safe - being a constant resource for them. This past year, our par tnership with Hospitality Homes has grown 1,935% . \"This pandemic has made Hospitality Homes change the way we do business. We’ve had to become extremely creative with discovering new options for our guests and create new partnerships with high-quality alternatives. Compass Furnished Apartments’ willingness to partner with us at reduced rates and an understanding of the needs and requirements for medical housing ensured that we never had to turn away Hospitality Home residents in dire need of lodging. Working with Compass and their team has elevated the confidence in our guest experience - and due to their [Compass‘] philanthropic nature, we have the ability to have our limited resources go further. - Deborah Pepper, E xecutive Director of Hospitality Homes 038
Our Growth Families Helped 2019 (23) All Time Stats 2020 (67) Families Helped. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 0 9 Total Nights Stayed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 , 6 5 5 Total Nights Stayed (1,813) 2019 (277) 2020 All numbers and percentages above represent the collaborative amount of nights between Hospitality Homes & their partnership with Compass. They represent only a portion of Hospitality Homes’ overall nights they provide. To learn more visit: www.hosp.org 039
Hospitality Homes Donations In order to ensure our apartments have the highest quality furniture, we continue to update our pieces every so often. This leaves our warehouse full of gently used, high quality furniture that could make such an important impact if transferred into different hands. Our crew donated a plethora of furniture to Hospitality Homes within 2020, helping to furnish their additional housing options for patients and families in need. Being able to continuously find new, creative ways to further our impact with Hospitality Homes has been absolutely incredible. We cannot thank their team, their mission, and their passion enough. 040
“Watching our partnership with Hospitality Homes grow throughout 2020 has created such joy and positivity during such an uncer tain year. Both Compass and Hospitality Homes jumped into action at the start of the pandemic, using their like-minded drive to help others. It’s truly humbling to be a part of a movement that has such a big impact. I am extremely grateful and blown away at both Compass’ and Hospitality Homes’ ability to use, keep, and thrive off of having compassion at the forefront of their business model.” - Maddy Khentigan, Compass Content Creator 041
Love Your Melon Love Your Melon is an apparel brand dedicated to the fight against pediatric cancer. Fifty percent of net profit from the sale of all Love Your Melon products is given to nonprofit organizations around the world that lead the fight against pediatric cancer through groundbreaking research, therapeutic experiences, and family support. JOINING THE FIGHT Love Your Melon agreed to donate 150 beanies in June 2020 and with that, our welcome baskets were growing. Our patients felt more supported, were introduced to another like-minded company, and felt at home with the space and people they were working with. By August 2020, the Coronavirus pandemic was continuing to spread. Love Your Melon decided to further their impact with Compass Cares by donating 250 reusable adult masks & 150 child sized masks for all of our welcome baskets. These masks provided comfort and security, while serving as an additional line of defense throughout COVID-19. Reaching out to companies with the same mission is a practice that will continue to grow our program for years to come. Our relationships will evolve and grow closer through the mindset of putting compassion at the forefront of any business model. Together, we create therapeutic experiences and provide affordable shelter for children and families battling cancer. 042
Ta s k R a b bit This year we’ve joined forces with Task R abbit to give back while also making short-term stays as easy as possible. ABOUT TASKR ABBIT TaskRabbit conveniently connects busy people with skilled “Taskers” to tackle everyday to-dos, such as furniture assembly, handyman work, moving help, cleaning, and errands. TASKR ABBIT FOR GOOD We choose our partners by not only their ability to enhance our guest experience, but by their give-back initiatives. We’re so happy to join forces with another like-minded company that has a passion for philanthropy. Their program, TaskRabbit For Good, was created to strengthen communities by helping neighbors in need find work and a place to call home. They support neighbors in need after natural disasters through their Natural Disaster Relief program, help people get back on their feet and back to work through their Workforce Development program, and connect Tasker volunteers to local nonprofits. Ever y task booked allows us to further support patients and families through our Room to Heal fund at Boston Children’s Hospital. (read more about our Room to Heal fund on page 8) 043
Property Partnerships We’re incredibly grateful to highlight two properties that have supported our mission throughout 2020, working hand-in-hand with our team, while having to quickly adapt to the changing environment. These properties will be vital for the continued growth and impact of our Compass Cares program. THE HARLO Our Compass Cares families are commonly housed within our apartments at The Harlo, due to their flexible solutions, peaceful environment, and convenient location within the Longwood Medical Area. Within 2020, our relationship with The Harlo stood the test of time, working through the pandemic and using our good standing, compassionate nature, and reliable crew to lead our relationship to new heights. The Harlo has been absolutely amazing throughout this past year and we are incredibly grateful for their trust, willingness to get creative, and determination to come out of 2020 stronger than ever. 044
BOSTONVIE W APARTMENTS Bostonview Apartments is one of our newest partnerships. This property was specifically sought out with our Compass Cares program in mind. These apartments are located close to Massachusetts General Hospital and in one of Boston’s most picturesque areas, Beacon Hill. Our one bedroom apartments at Bostonview give the complete Compass experience in the most affordable way possible. This is perfect for Compass Cares patients and families looking for conveniently located housing close to treatment facilities, while also being affordable, comfortable, and safe. We‘re excited to see our Compass Cares families use this location as their place of respite. Our team will continue searching for properties that have like-minded goals, affordable pricing, and convenient locations for families in need. 045
Shouting Out An Incredible Partner This year, we’re giving an incredible shoutout to Jose Romanelli. Working alongside Compass for over 10 years, Jose and his team are truly one of a kind. See how Jose generously and selflessly supports our Compass Cares Program. Jose is our Housekeeping Services Contractor throughout Massachusetts. He handles all of Compass’ apartment, office, warehouse, and common area cleaning service needs. Jose and his team are constantly going above and beyond to help our company and our clients. They are willing to do whatever is asked of them with an infectious smile and great attitude. Back in 2018, Jose learned of our Compass Cares program and felt compelled to get involved by offering complimentary services for Compass Cares residents. This allows us to come together to better support the needs of our patients and families. When a family receiving medical treatment leaves our apartment, Jose thoroughly cleans and sanitizes the apartment, refreshes all linens and towels, and ensures it is well equipped for the next guest’s arrival. We are so honored and humbled to have such an invaluable partnership. “If you light a lamp for someone else, it will also brighten your own path.” “Jose is someone that I hold in such high regard and have immense respect for. He is so incredibly knowledgeable, humble, hardworking, and patient with not just me, but with our entire team and all of our clients. He’s truly passionate about both his work and helping people. Jose and his team are constantly going above and beyond to provide our guests with a clean and inviting living space with every single reservation we throw their way. I am so grateful for his dedication, his support, and his contributions to this program. Jose and his team are like family and we wouldn’t have it any other way!” - Julie Jessop (JJ), Compass Director Of Operations 046
\"When I was presented with the opportunity to give back to families going through a difficult time, I immediately volunteered, especially with having a recent experience being in a similar situation. In 2014, our son Leonardo was born premature at 25 weeks and fought bravely for his life. We were fortunate enough to live near Boston, were assisted by one of the best health care systems in the world, and my wife was able to fully support him on his journey. I noticed that there were many babies whose mothers were not able to be by their side as often. It’s hard to fathom how much harder our journey would have been if we were not by my son’s side everyday throughout his 94 day hospital stay. Such an experience changes you. Compass Cares provided the perfect opportunity to give back and alleviate the stress of those in need. I cannot overstate the impact such an initiative as this has on a family’s life. - Jose Romanelli 047
Compass Crew Stories Evoking our saint’s heart to do more good. 048
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\" KIARA CUNNINGHAM Compass Guest Services As the newest member of the Compass Crew Guest Services team, I knew that I would be interacting with our guests daily and making sure their experience was exemplary. However, I truly had no idea that my life would be tremendously impacted outside of work. To say the Compass Cares program has been life changing is an understatement. I have met so many incredible people who have turned into friends and family. It brings me such joy to know that our families feel comfortable and safe enough to do everything from confiding in us through late-night texts after appointments and laughing with us when they’ve had a long day and can’t seem to find the Roku remote! To all of the Compass Cares families who have allowed me to be a part of your world and share in your highs and lows, I thank you. You have given me an outlook on life that is immeasurable. To my Compass family, I am eternally grateful to be a part of a crew who genuinely cares about others, shares the same vision, and is dedicated to creating spaces of healing, relaxation and comfort. Watching our program expand and become more progressive has been nothing short of amazing. I look forward to seeing what this year and years to come will bring. 050
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