Sometimes that darkness is literal — a 2 a.m. call saying words they never thought they would say to a stranger: “I need help.”

Sometimes the darkness takes other forms - the isolation of being cut off from friends and family, the exhaustion of keeping up appearances, the fear of what might happen if they tell someone about the abuse happening at home, and the overwhelm of seeking safety or support in a world that feels unpredictable.

“I came to Compass Center’s doors at the darkest point in my life. I was confused and alone. My partner’s control made it impossible to work or be the mother I wanted to be. My world had shrunk to nothing but him. He said if I left, he’d take the kids. I felt trapped and lost.”
- A Compass Center Survivor

Because of you, Compass Center is there to answer. A caring voice on the other end of the phone. A steady presence on shaky ground. A starting point of connection. In these moments, Compass Center is a beacon - a light on a path toward safety, empowerment, and well-being.

Why Compass Center?

“Everyone saw my partner as a great guy—charming, funny. I didn’t think anyone would believe me. But Compass Center did. They listened. They believed me. And they helped me find my way out.” - A Compass Center Survivor

For many, Compass Center is a trusted place to turn for safety, support, and connection. Our 24/7 crisis line, court advocacy, Safe Homes emergency shelter, support groups, career and financial workshops, and prevention education provide vital lifelines for people in our community who are experiencing relationship abuse, healing from trauma, and building safer, more stable futures.

As the only organization in Orange County offering this full range of services for survivors of domestic violence and relationship abuse, Compass Center relies on compassionate community support to sustain this life-changing work.

In the past year, thanks to your support, Compass Center:

• Answered the call for more than 1,600 survivors
• Stood beside them in court over 300 times
• Made nearly 7,000 connections for safety planning and support
• Provided safe lodging for 60+ adults and children and helped 200+ more find shelter across North Carolina
• Delivered prevention education to 500 middle schoolers and 1,000+ adults through outreach and training

These moments don’t make headlines - but they change lives.

Your Gift Can Light the Way

Your donation today helps us reach our goal of $200,000 by January 31st — ensuring every survivor who reaches out in the dark finds the support they deserve:

• $50 – Transportation so a survivor can get safely to and from court
• $150 – One night of hotel and food for a fleeing parent and child
• $500 – New locks or security cameras when a survivor feels unsafe at home
• $1,000 – A six-week support group where survivors connect and heal
• $3,000 – Staffs our overnight and weekend crisis lines for an entire month
• $5,000 – Funds a month of rent and utilities for all 3 Safe Home emergency shelter apartments

Already this year, Compass Center has seen a 27% increase in survivors reaching out for help compared to last year — and a 50% increase since 2023. Your gift helps us meet the growing need.

Why Your Support Matters Now

Federal funding for domestic violence services in North Carolina has dropped by more than 90% since 2018 — leaving survivors more vulnerable than ever. Your generosity keeps our crisis lines open, our advocates in courtrooms, and our doors open for survivors who have nowhere else to turn.

About Compass Center

Compass Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the Charitable Solicitation Licensing Section at 888-830-4989. The license is not an endorsement by the State. Tax ID# 56-1271474."

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