COMPASS Program to ExpandScott Douglass, Base Service Unit SupervisorMilestone has entered into a contract with Pennsylvania Department of Welfare (DPW) to participate in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Access to Social Services (COMPASS) system. COMPASS is a web site that allows individuals and community based organizations access to screen, apply, and renew a broad range of social programs. COMPASS serves as a single point of access for Healthcare, Food Stamps, Cash Assistance, Long Term Care, Home and Community Based Services, and Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) programs. Typically when a consumer needs to apply for benefits through DPW it requires a trip to the local welfare office. Traveling to the welfare office is very time consuming and often results in the consumer scheduling another appointment. Through the COMPASS system a consumer can be screened to establish which benefits they may be eligible for and submit their benefit application electronically. Consumers can also create a password, which allows them to visit the COMPASS site and track the application status. Welfare may still request an in person interview at one of the offices after the application is received, but this will vary on a case by case basis. Currently the intake and case management departments on the Base Service Unit (BSU) are using COMPASS. The COMPASS system has reduced the time needed to apply for benefits, reduced the number of trips to the local welfare offices, and has been well received by the consumers. COMPASS is now being made available to all associates of Milestone. Any interested Managers may contact either Victoria Livingstone, BSU Director, at 412-371-7391, ext. 139 or Scott Douglass, BSU Supervisor, at 412-731-9707, ext. 207 for more information. Click here to return to our Programs & Services Main Page | 
