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To improve the quality of life for people recovering from mental illness through the power and gift of friendship.
The Compeer Program realizes how valuable friendship is to people who are recovering from mental illness.
* At any given time, 30-45 million Americans suffer from mental disorder.
* A very small percentage of those being treated for mental illness are in a a hospital.
* Most are coping with their disability in the community.
* Mental illness can affect anyone. People living with mental illness can come from any class of society. They are often linked by the common denominator of devastating loneliness.
* The help they need on the road to recovery is often more than tradition therapy can offer.
* They need the support of a friend.
* They need a Compeer volunteer.
Compeer recruits, screens, trains and matches volunteers in one-to-one friendship relationships with adults who are receiving mental health treatment.
Volunteers become positive role models, help raise self-esteem, increase social and communication skills and encourage independence for their Compeer friends.
The rewards are many when you volunteer for Compeer. There are opportunities for personal growth and satisfaction through helping others. You will also help combat the stigma associated with mental illness.
Being a Compeer volunteer is fun and fits into your current lifestyle because you choose the hours just as you would with any friendship.
OPPORTUNITIES
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Phone: 717-735-0667
Fax: 717-735-1354
email:
compeer@compeerlancaster.org
Address:
630 Janet Avenue
Lancaster, PA 17601
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Perhaps the biggest benefit of the Compeer program is the degree to which it has
contributed to the decreased stigma of the mentally ill."
Dr. John McIntyre, Vice President Unity Behavioral Health
Past President American Psychiatric Association