Compeer is an award-winning, not-for-profit organization that has been serving the Chemung County area since 1992. Compeer's mission is "to use the power of friendship to help adults and children with mental health illnesses and children at-risk live happier, more productive lives via community volunteers." A "Compeer" means a companion who is also a peer or equal that brightens an individual's li
fe by helping to restore their feeling of loneliness and failure and by building self-esteem for those that suffer from mental health illnesses. Compeer Programs:
In Chemung County, Compeer is continuously recruiting volunteers for three wonderful programs that provide friendship to adults and children. These programs are:
Circle of Friends is the only kindergarten - 6th grade school lunchtime mentoring program that has been serving elementary age students in Chemung County for over 10 years. Circle of Friends matches a caring and supportive volunteer with a child, which meets twice a month during the student's lunchtime, from September - June. The pair can work on homework, play educational and age appropriate games, read, write stories & poems, do art & craft programs, or just sit and talk. PAL is a continuous year-round kindergarten - 12th grade mentoring program that has been serving Chemung County for over 40 years and was brought under the Compeer umbrella of services in 2009. With the focus being on the youth, PAL's mission is "to build a child's self-esteem, promote learning and enable social, cultural and emotional growth." PAL volunteers meet with their PAL outside of the regular school day and are encouraged to have their PAL participate in various activities that focuses on community involvement, friendship and most importantly, fun. Adult One-on-One is a mentoring program for men and women, 18 years and older that are receiving mental health treatment. Individuals of this group are looking for a caring and supportive individual that likes doing special activities. CURRENTLY 25 ADULT VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED. Compeer is one of the most rewarding, fun and flexible volunteering programs that welcomes volunteers from all walks of life and fits into anyone's current life style. Volunteers are asked to make a commitment of at least 4 hours per month for at least one year. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or would like more information regarding the Compeer program, please contact:
Karlee Burdick, Compeer Youth Coordinator
Phone: 607-733-2820 ext.104
Email: kburdick@familyservices.cc
OR
Sara Goodwin, Compeer Adult Coordinator
Phone: 607-733-2820 ext.130
Email: sgoodwin@familyservices.cc