Compass Housing Alliance is honored to announce a major gift from long-time supporters Carol and Peter Stewart to launch a new program to support
early-career training and development.
Known as the Stewart Family Leadership Development Pathway, the funds will invest in Compass staff via skills development relevant for human service organizations; managerial and budgetary courses to support promotions; access to additional professional opportunities; and financial incentives to grow within the organization.
“One of the greatest challenges to serving the people who count on us is hiring and retaining committed staff members who deliver on our values,” said Christopher Ross, president of Compass Housing Alliance. “The Stewart family saw firsthand what our staff undertake across our shelters and affordable housing facilities. We are grateful that they have made such an important contribution to shaping our future.”
According to industry data, human service organizations experience an employment turnover of 27-33 percent annually. Staff replacement costs range between 50 and 150 percent of an annual salary, including factors such as overtime and lost productivity. Moreover, in a high-cost city such as Seattle with a competitive employment market, nonprofits have a particularly challenging time recruiting and keeping their staff.
“Thanks to Carol and Peter Stewart, when great people come to work for Compass, we now have the resources to help their careers flourish,” added Teena Ellison, senior director of housing and services at Compass. “The staff who will benefit from their funding will not only be the rising leaders at our agency, but also create longevity in their careers in social services. When our staff grows, the care for our community grows too.”