Our Work - Compass II


What is COMPASS II?
COMPASS II® is a collaborative needs-assessment system used by communities nation-wide to help identify their own community's strengths and areas of potential growth and development.

Building a stronger community is at the heart of COMPASS II. Spearheaded by United Way of the Tanana Valley, it required the participation of a diverse group of individuals, organizations and government agencies throughout the Fairbanks North Star Borough.

What has happened in the past?
  • In 1990, United Way commissioned an assessment to identify community needs.

  • In 1999, United Way published its first Health & Human Service Indicators Report of the Fairbanks North Star Borough.

  • In 2002, United Way completed the first COMPASS II Project of the Fairbanks North Star Borough. From this process, a community action plan was developed to address Substance Abuse, Infrastructure Planning, Family Violence, Job & Career Opportunities, and Affordable Health Care.

  • In 2004, United Way published its second Health & Human Service Indicators Report of the Fairbanks North Star Borough.
  • In 2008 United Way commissioned a second assessment to identify community needs.
What has COMPASS II done for our community?
  • Substance Abuse: COMPASS Coalition has been successful in promoting a local campaign for public awareness and instrumental in the development of a Therapeutic Court. The Coalition is responsible for providing over 9,000 advertisements resulting in over 40% increase in calls from individuals seeking assistance in dealing with substance abuse.

  • Infrastructure Planning: In the development of neighborhood councils, United Way secured a grant to implement the Weed and Seed strategy for a neighborhood in Fairbanks. This strategy involves a two pronged approach: law enforcement agencies and prosecutors cooperate in "weeding out" violent criminals and drug abusers and public agencies and community-based private organizations collaborate to "seed" much-needed human services.

  • Family Violence: Indirectly working through local media plans to decrease family violence.

  • Job & Career Opportunities: Several core programs such as registered nursing identified in the visioning session are now available in our community.

  • Affordable Health Care: Working diligently with Representatives and national organizations to develop an affordable health care system.
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United Way Staff
Ann Kjera, Executive Director
Bev Fantazzi, Resource Development Manager

Financial Contributors
Rasmuson Foundation
BP Exploration Alaska
ConocoPhillips Alaska
Fairbanks Memorial Hospital
The Usibelli Foundation

In-kind Contributors
Fairbanks Daily News-Miner
Information Insights

For more information contact:
United Way of the Tanana Valley
P.O. Box 74396
Fairbanks, AK 99707-4396
907-452-7211 (voice)
907-452-7270 (fax)
unitedwy@alaska.com
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