What is Compeer?

Compeer of the Mohawk Valley, Inc. is a non-profit agency that matches trained volunteers in supportive friendships with adults and youth receiving mental health treatment. Compeer volunteers receive support and training from qualified staff who will guide them through the friendship.  Compeer maintains a list of unmatched referral youth and adults in need of a mentor and friend. 

What do Compeer friends do together?

Compeer friends meet about once a week (four hours a month) to do whatever they enjoy. Activities may include attending a movie, going for a walk, visiting a library or museum, going out for ice cream or coffee, attending a sports event or simply getting together just to talk. These are just a few of the things you will have an opportunity to do with your Compeer friend.  Compeer friends are matched based on similar likes and dislikes, hobbies and activities.  Many of our Compeer matches find that they have even more similarities after they are matched! 

How much time is involved in being a volunteer?

Compeer asks for a commitment of only four hours a month for a minimum of one year. The Compeer time commitment is flexible, allowing volunteers to determine their own schedule.  You can get together during the day, in the evening or on the weekends.  We have found that many of our volunteer's spend much more than the four hours a month with their friend. 

How do I become a Compeer volunteer?

To become a volunteer first fill out a Volunteer Application. In fact, you can easily download an application from this web site. Submit your completed application to Compeer of the Mohawk Valley, Inc. and a staff member will contact you for an interview. Following the interview, you will attend a Compeer training session. You will have an opportunity to speak with your friends therapist, and then you will meet your friend and begin a rewarding relationship.

Who can become a volunteer?

Volunteers can be anyone from college students to senior citizens. What they have in common is that they are men and women who care about people, and want to help others in a a personal way.  If you care, you qualify.

How often do I meet with my Compeer friend?

Compeer friends meet on a consistent basis, usually once a week, to participate in activities they enjoy.  We also have special events throughout the year, which will give you an opportunity to get together with other Compeer volunteers and their matches in a social setting.

What other opportunities do I have as a Compeer volunteer?

Compeer volunteers become telephone companions to a Compeer friend on our waiting list and call on their friend once per week.  Compeer pen pals can write once or twice a month to a person on our waiting list.

Compeer staff and mental health staff are available to assist and guide volunteers and to answer questions.  This is an opportunity for volunteers to learn about mental health problems, and get support from other volunteers. As a Compeer volunteer you will have the opportunity to attend a myriad of special activities such as our ice cream socials, pizza parties, and holiday parties. Compeer Volunteer recognition events and picnics are also held annually.

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