March is National Problem Gambling Awareness Month with the theme Every Story Matters—a chance to build understanding and support for people impacted by gambling disorders (GD). Any positive screening for substance use disorder (SUD) or mental illness should include a gambling assessment, as research has shown that: A third to a half of those treated for SUD also have a gambling disorder 57% of those with SUD and GD developed the substance use disorder first 75% of those in treatment for substance use have a moderate or severe gambling disorder Of people diagnos ..read more

Register for the Positive Change Virtual Conference by March 12 to receive your Snack Box of tasty treats before the event! The event is April 3 & 4, 2024 from 8:00am – 12:30pm each day. This year’s theme is Bridging the Gaps: Building Integrated Systems of Care. Our communities continue to both recover from the pandemic and to face increases in resulting addiction and mental health issues. Professionals are rising to the occasion but do experience barriers to helping their students and clients. Conference sessions will help bridge the gaps between the need for services & ..read more

Justin Manning, Senior VP, Mid Penn Bank & Eric Kennel, Executive Director, Compass Mark Our agency is grateful for the generosity of Mid Penn Bank and their ongoing support through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program, which allows businesses to redirect their state tax liability to approved nonprofits. Their $5,000 donation funds our Leaders of Future Generations program, which builds social and emotional skills, connection to school and community, and positive academic outcomes. Brookfield Renewable Partners is one o ..read more

A word that describes our Family Services Advocate (FSA) program, which supports children of incarcerated parents, is reassuring. In addition to the activities of our advocates—matching families with resources, teaching parenting classes, meeting with the incarcerated parents—Karlee Shambaugh and Sarah Sechrist provide validation and encouragement to both children and adults. In Lancaster and Lebanon Counties, one way our advocates reassure is through the gift of stuffed bears with personalized voice recordings. Each child receives a bear embedded with a message from their ..read more

by Eric Kennel, MPS, Executive Director Our addiction prevention work is most effective when delivered from a foundation of relationships and personal connections. In my work each day, I am honored by the opportunity to connect with so many extraordinary individuals. People walking alongside friends and family members who are experiencing the impacts of addiction. Youth in our school-based programs who are learning life skills and modeling resilience through adversity. Dedicated educators and providers who are delivering life-changing services and resources for our community. For me, each of t ..read more

Due to the EXTRAORDINARY generosity of our community supporters, Compass Mark raised $35,767 over the 24 hours of the November 17, 2023 ExtraGive! On behalf of our Board of Directors and staff, we are so appreciative for the incredible support of not only our 153 individual donors, but everyone who participated in our campaign. Matching Sponsors Many thanks are in order to our Matching Sponsors, who’s total of $13,100 doubled the impact of donations, encouraging people to give to the organization. These include: Design Data Corporation Janney Kitchen Kettle Village The Compass M ..read more

As we turn the corner from summer to fall, we welcome change in all of its forms. At work, change can encourage innovation ands new skills to a team. This week, we welcome two new employees at Compass Mark. We look forward to getting to know them and learning about the special skills and qualities they bring to our addiction prevention work. Sarah Sechrist Family Services Advocate – Lebanon Years of working with young people in recreational settings inspired Sarah Sechrist to enter the field of human services. She moved to Lebanon County in 2012, where she has grown both personally wi ..read more

This week, summer turns into fall, making way for the excitement of new schools, new students, and new prevention facilitators at Compass Mark to deliver our evidence-based programs! Our Program Managers, below, are making new connections and scheduling groups and classes across their counties. Please reach out to them with requests and questions: Shannon DiCandilo Program Manager – Chester Matt Weaver, CPS Program Manager – Lancaster Michelle Sweitzer Program Manager – Lebanon Director of Programs Teri Miller-Landon and our program managers provided a three-day new staff orientat ..read more

Compass Mark focuses on youth in the criminal justice system this month because—like adults—many enter this system due to the multiple hardships they have faced, including childhood toxic stress. Young people with mental health or addiction issues—or both—have a higher risk of being arrested than the general population. Our public health focus means that we strive to prevent harm to physical and mental health by promoting positive youth development. Our guest speaker this month is Lance D. Greene, Esq. of Saxton & Stump, formerly an Assistant District Attorney for the County of Lancaster ..read more

It was the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) study in 1997 that made the link between early trauma and illness later in life official. The results overwhelmingly showed that the more significant hardships a person goes through in childhood, the greater their risk for illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, mental health issues, and addiction disorders. In fact, people with four or more ACEs were: Toxic Stress Defined The cause of these and other illnesses in such a population is termed “toxic stress.” When a child is frequently sad, scared, or frightened, their stress response system goes int ..read more