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DoodleBug Workshop in Wheaton welcomes Compass Mortgage as a Gold Sponsor

Nonprofits like DoodleBug Workshop are struggling during the pandemic which is why financial support is so important at this time.

Why are people celebrating in front of 314 S. Main St. in Wheaton?

Compass Mortgage, headquartered in Warrenville, Illinois, has become a Gold Sponsor of DoodleBug Workshop, which is changing the lives of people with disabilities in DuPage County and beyond - one tool at a time.

Participants learn how to use tools to create decorative products of wood and other materials that are sold to the public and in the process gain independence and self-esteem.

"We are so grateful for the support of Compass Mortgage as we build our workshop program to serve more people," said Sarah Starke, founder and executive director of DoodleBug Workshop. "This has been a tough year for all charities, but especially for a fledgling nonprofit like ours, which had finally moved into a permanent space at 314 S. Main St. in Wheaton only to find out a few weeks later that the COVID-19 pandemic had arrived.

"Compass Mortgage is an outstanding community partner for us. They value their customers and go above and beyond to meet their needs." Starke said.

Compass Mortgage president and chief operating officer Kevin Williamson was on hand at DoodleBug Workshop on Nov. 13 to accept a wooden plaque created by DoodleBug Workshop participants.

It featured the Compass Mortgage slogan: "Home to a better mortgage experience - Compass Mortgage."

"We are happy to embrace DoodleBug Workshop which embodies Compass' core values of infinite worth, integrity and excellence," said Williamson. "By recognizing and encouraging the accomplishments of people with intellectual and physical disabilities, our lives are all enhanced."

For three years prior to setting up shop on Main Street in Wheaton in March 2020, DoodleBug Workshop operated out of Starke's garage and home. Plans are in place to welcome more participants from adult day programs, high school after school programs and independents to expanded classes at the workshop as soon as it is safe.

To keep up with the action at the workshop and find out about special sales and product availability, follow DoodleBug Workshop at www.facebook.com/TheDoodleBugWorkshop/.

For information about DoodleBug Workshop and how to get involved as a participant, volunteer, sponsor or donor, visit www.doodlebugworkshop.com or call (630) 995-1328.

Founded in 1999 by Dan Graham and Carol Kochan, Compass Mortgage has been in the mortgage industry for 21 years partnering with clients as they find their home. In an industry geared toward the loan officer, they are part of revolutionizing the business with a customer-centric approach to build lifelong relationships with clients. As an independent mortgage lender, the company stands unique because they underwrite, prepare the closing package, and provide funding for loans which allows them to offer more competitive rates and ensure a smoother loan experience for our clients. For information about Compass Mortgage, visit compmort.com.

In 2016, Sarah Starke, mother of a young adult son with an intellectual disability, saw a need for a program for her son and others with disabilities to develop skills and self-esteem using a variety of tools that could lead to eventual employment. A curriculum was created for the new DoodleBug Workshop. The American Legion and local veterans turned her garage into a complete woodworking shop and became job coaches to help teach the curriculum established. Participants make decorative products from wood, metal and reclaimed materials that are sold to the public. For information about DoodleBug Workshop, visit www.doodlebugworkshop.com.

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