Compeer
Compeer is a program that matches qualified volunteers with adults and children in need of supportive friendships for the purpose of reducing the stigma associated with mental illness and improving the quality of life for persons served. Volunteers meet weekly with their friend, spending time together, shopping, taking walks, or attending a community event.
Things Friends Do...
Bowling, talking, shopping, picnics, sporting events, movies, walking, golfing, eating out, HAVING FUN! Compeer offers many discount passes for friends to enjoy together.
Compeer = Friendship
Choose the type of match you want.
- Spend 1-2 hours a week (there's a lot of flexibility)
- Enjoy community activities
- Compeer provides training and ongoing support
Compeer services to adults and children:
One to One Matches - Volunteers spend 4-8 hours a month with an adult or child. As a volunteer, you and your friend share activities you enjoy such as movies, sports, shopping or coffee. Compeer volunteers are supportive friends, role models and/or serve as advocates because what consumers need is a caring, consistent friend.
Compeer C.A.R.E.S. (Caring Advocates Recognizing Everyone's Strengths) - Volunteers spend 4-8 hours per month with a child that has a parent who is incarcerated. The volunteer's role is to be a supportive friend, role model and advocate -not a social worker, caretaker, or parent. The goal is to enhance a child's attitude about life and help reduce their possibility of following the cycle of incarceration. Consistency and dependability are important elements and most effective way to develop a mutually rewarding friendship.
Lunch Buddies - This program is designed to match at risk children with a special mentor. Children participating in this program have been diagnosed with a severe emotional disturbance (SED) or display symptoms of SED. These children are at risk for suspensions, they experience poor grades and low self-esteem. Volunteers spend one hour per week with the child over his/her lunch hour.
Group Match - A volunteer can be matched to a group of adults or children or a club or organization can be matched to a single individual or group.
Compeer Calling - A volunteer calls an adult on a regular basis to form a friendship over the telephone. This is a great volunteer opportunity for individuals who are unable to drive but want to make a difference in someone’s life.
Skillbuilders Program - Teach A Skill, Change A Life - Share your time and talent to help someone learn a new life skill. Volunteers can choose to teach daily living skills like grocery shopping, cooking, or computer skills. Others may choose a recreational activity such as quilting, art, playing a musical instrument or a favorite sport. This program is designed to help consumers improve skills that enable them to achieve greater independence, increased self-confidence and establishing trust.
Schizophrenics Anonymous (S.A.) - This is a self-help program. People diagnosed with Schizophrenia and other related disorders such as bipolar disorder participate in this ongoing program. The focus is on recovery with the assistance of peers and working on everyday problems. The purpose of S.A. is to help restore dignity and a sense of purpose to people who are working towards recovery from mental illness through social acceptance, support, education and empowerment.
Rewards of Being a Compeer Volunteer
- Develop experience and memories that will last a lifetime
- Gain personal satisfaction by helping others
- Make a positive impact in the community
- Invest in the future of our children
- Enjoy the friendship of another person
- Enhance your resume
- Make a difference
Contact us to Volunteer - E-mail compeer@mhasck.org. Or complete the application and mail to us at:
MHA/Compeer 555 N. Woodlawn, Suite 3105 Wichita, KS 67208
Click here to download a Compeer application
Compeer is sponsored by The Mental Health Association of South Central Kansas, a United Way Member Agency. (316) 685-1821