Compeer was established in 1973 in Rochester, NY. In 1980, the New York State Office of Mental Health became interested in replicating this innovative volunteer program and sponsored two workshops for mental health professionals on "Compeer - A Model Program."
Based on New York State's success, Compeer received a National Institute of Mental Health grant, which provided funding to establish an international Compeer office in Rochester, NY. The office of Compeer International provides consultation, training, and support to affiliates as well as assisting in the development of new affiliates.
Compeer International affiliates are sponsored by a variety of mental health and volunteer non-profint agencies throughout the United States, Canada, and Australia.
How does it all fit together here at Compeer Lancaster?
Compeer Lancaster has many affiliations that are important to the success of the program. Perhaps you, like many others, wonder what they are and how they fit together.
Compeer Lancaster celebrated its ninth anniversary on April 19, 2010. On this date in 2001, Compeer Lancaster became part of Compeer International. This "parent" organization has 98 current members and provides our program guidelines, suggested best practices, national statistics, new ideas for recruiting and fund raising, and an 800 number for advice.
Compeer Lancaster is also part of the Pennsylvania Coalition of fourteen Compeer programs. This supportive group has quarterly conference calls and an annual retreat that is sponsored by the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.
Locally, Compeer Lancaster is a program sponsored by Mental Health America of Lancaster County (MHALC). MHALC strives to create a just, humane and healthy society in which all people are accorded respect, dignity and the opportunity to achieve their full potential free from stigma and prejudice. The work of the agency in promoting mental health, working to prevent mental and emotional illnesses wherever possible and to improve quality of life for persons with mental illnesses is ongoing.
Compeer Lancaster is also a member of the national network of Faith in Action programs. This network grew out of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Faith in Action start-up grants recipients. All of these affiliations are important to Compeer Lancaster and help us send out our message. They also provide an opportunity for us to learn about how to serve our compeer friends and community more effectively.
