Every summer, Camp Compass gives homeless kids renewed hope and a chance for a better future. Operated by Compass for Kids in Springfi eld, Camp Compass helps kids catch up academically over the summer, while keeping them nourished physically and mentally. The program has shown improved math and reading skills among the kids who participated, helping to reduce the achievement gap that would hold them back. The hope is that by investing in these kids, they’ll be able to break the cycle of poverty and succeed. Camp Compass is currently competing for a $25,000 grant from State Farm’s Neighborhood Assist program, which rewards nonprofi ts focused on education, safety or community development. To help Camp Compass win the grant, visit bit.ly/compass4kids and vote for them up to 10 times per day from now through Nov. 4. All you need is a legitimate email address and a minute to register. “We are taking children who are on the path to being a high school dropout, being in a gang, or running into trouble with the law,” says Molly Berendt, who organizes Camp Compass. “Instead, we are seeking these children out now, while they’re still young, and showing them that they can succeed with some extra support. There is the possibility of a different life.”