Mary Guarin

A Bit About Me

Since 1999, Community Compass has offered welcome and hope to individuals and families who felt they have lost it all. We have seen lives transformed as we walked alongside on the, many times, road less traveled to accomplish personal goals. Together we have equipped and empowered our neighbors, while advocating for policy that protects and supports equitable community development.

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I am inspired by the work Community Compass has accomplished and feel honored to serve as Director.Our core values of Integrity, Respect, Service, and Teamwork resonate with my twenty-three-year commitment to serving the communities of Ocean County through volunteerism and board service. I currently serve on the Board of Directors for Ocean Health Initiatives and O.C.E.A.N. Inc.The work of strengthening families has been the training ground throughout my 19-year career as an NJ Educator. I am grateful to my students and their families for helping me understand our community's needs and the methods to improve and expand resident services. Advocating for families required that we analyze existing services to prioritize our unique community needs best.          

As we continue to face the increasing challenge of housing and employment in Ocean County, our strong alliances with municipalities, healthcare providers, weatherization programs, and community organizations help us create and implement outreach programs that bridge existing services to individuals who live and work in underserved areas. Through our Community Ambassadors Program, we have created safe spaces for immigrants residing in Ocean County to voice their needs and fears. In our effort to raise awareness about hate, discrimination, and bias crime, we’ve partnered with the NJ Division of Civil Rights and the Ocean County Prosecutor to serve as community liaisons and increase cultural competency. Community Ambassadors' work has expanded into school districts as student clubs. Their civic engagement in the areas of homelessness, immigration, healthcare, and supporting victims of domestic violence has been recognized through state and county-level award recognitions.

I look forward to our continued partnerships as we continue to address affordable housing issues, including foreclosure prevention and neighborhood stabilization, and community development goals.