Compeer Inc.
About
Compeer Inc. is an international, non-profit organization that helps adults and children overcome the challenging effects of mental illness, such as loneliness, isolation and low self-esteem through the power of friendship. Our volunteer-based programs and services, which serve as a complement to therapy, provide supportive friendships for people in mental-health care, helping them on their recovery journey.
Compeer Inc. is the network of more than 80 Compeer affiliate locations in the U.S., Canada and Australia. Compeer Inc. staff members provide training, consultation and administrative support to the affiliates. Compeer affiliates maintain program procedures that are diversified and accommodating to each program model, and uphold autonomy in managing resources and funding.
Mission
To promote and support the Compeer model throughout the world by helping our chapters increase the number of consumer-volunteer matches.
Compeer Inc. offers assistance with marketing, private and corporate fundraising, government and foundation grant-writing, volunteer recruiting and program management, along with training and materials. We field research on program efficacy, program controls and standards. We develop and manage national sponsorships and alliance programs. We share best practices for effective and sustainable implementation of Compeer programs.
Vision
To serve as a complement to mental-health treatment through social integration for every person who is diagnosed with a mental illness or an emotional challenge that wants and needs help in every community around the world.
History
Compeer was founded in 1973 in Rochester, N.Y., and it started with just 12 volunteers. Today, nearly 5,000 volunteers in Compeer locations around the world serve people with mental illnesses.
The National Institute of Mental Health chose Compeer as a model program in 1982 and funded the development of similar programs throughout the nation. Today, Compeer is a model mental health organization with nearly 100 locations in the U.S., Canada and Australia.
Routinely recognized as a national model, the agency has received the Presidential Recognition award by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the inaugural Eleanor Roosevelt Community Service award, the Presidential Volunteer Action award, four Points of Light awards and recognition from the American Psychiatric Association.
Visit the Compeer, Inc. website at www.compeer.org.
