Our Communities
Our Compass Program was launched in 2017 to help transform neighborhoods through partnerships that address the root causes of crime and promote safety. Compass is an evidence-informed, innovative approach to community transformation through police-community partnerships. Through Compass, we support the development of locally-driven movements where police and community partners work together to address critical needs, such as violent crime, mental health, and youth safety The focus of Compass is to build a positive sense of community, enhance collective efficacy, and develop the capacity of partners work together to drive change in a way that reflects the values and the desires of those who live and serve in local communities.
Compass is informed by evidence-based practices from community psychology, public health and implementation science that focus on translating what we know works into real world application. Our approach is designed to foster effective public safety partnerships that are grounded in trust, data, and a shared vision. We begin our process with an in-depth look at the challenges and opportunities faced by a community, and then work hand-in-hand with local partners to develop a roadmap for change.
Compass is our roadmap for supporting collaborations that work. We apply a four-phased approach to help our partners unlock measurable results in their communities.
Our Compass Program is based on a four-phase model that facilitates positive community-level change through effective collaboration between police, residents, and community organizations. By implementing our strategic formula, Compass Partner Communities elevate community strengths and improve outcomes for all. Serve & Connect is proud to support each Compass Partner Community to ensure community-building goals are met and the Compass model is implemented with sustainability.
Phase 1: The first phase of our Compass Program focuses on trust building and community engagement.
Phase 2: The second phase of our Compass Program centers around community mobilization and mapping needs to assets.
Phase 3: The third phase of our Compass Program is anchored in the successful implementation of community-generated plan.
Phase 4: The final phase of our Compass Program is rooted in sustainability to help mobilize long-term community support and success.
If you are interested in learning more about our Compass Program or bringing Compass to your community, we invite you to reach out. With every Compass Program implementation comes an elevated community with positive outcomes for all.
Columbia, SC
Compass began in Columbia, SC in 2018 in partnership with the Columbia Police Department, City of Columbia and Richland County Sheriff’s Department. With community partners, we launched the North Columbia Youth Empowerment Initiative focused on violent crime reduction in Columbia’s highest crime hot spots. In 2024, Columbia Police Department reported a 48% reduction in fatal and non-fatal shootings. Residents’ trust in the police rose from 63.6% to 80.5%, and trust in neighbors increased from 54.8% to 70.1%. Residents’ sense of community belonging also grew, with 78.1% of residents feeling more connected by 2024. Police officers also reported improved motivation for community policing and stronger engagement with residents.
Lexington, SC
Uplift Lexington County is a movement focused on improving behavioral health through partnerships and empowerment that lead to healing and hope. The work centers on building partnerships between police, EMS, healthcare workers, mental health service providers and people with lived experience of mental illness with the goal of diverting people away from reliance on emergency services and the criminal justice system and into resources that promote sustained healing and a renewed sense of purpose. Uplift was created following a needs assessment conducted by Serve & Connect with funding support from the Lexington Medical Center Foundation. Findings led to the creation of the collaborative effort involving over 69 organizations and first responder agencies, with leading organizations including the Lexington Medical Center Foundation, Serve & Connect, Lexington County Community Mental Health Center, Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, Lexington County EMS, Lexington Medical Center and the Lexington/Richland Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council (LRADAC). Data from three years of implementation demonstrated that Uplift Lexington County contributed to reductions in emergency department and 911 utilization; enhanced partners’ ability to work together on initiatives; and increased the number of referrals to mental health services.