Compeer Program Listed In National Registry Of Evidence Based Programs

The Compeer Program at Far West Center has been creating friendships, promoting mental health and wellness, and changing lives since 1989. Compeer serves to empower individuals in their paths to recovery from mental illness. In Compeer, trained community volunteers are matched, one to one, with same gender adults committed to mental wellness treatment services that assist them in managing symptoms. Compeer volunteers offer friendship and encourage socialization in order to decrease the isolation that too often accompanies mental illness. 

On July 12, 2013 all Compeer Program affiliates were contacted by Johanna Ambrose, CEO of Compeer, Inc., and sent a press release that stated “the Compeer Program Model has been added to the SAMHSA National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices.” SAMHSA stands for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration which is a branch of the US Department of Health and Human Services. The National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices is a searchable online database of substantiated evidence-based mental health and substance abuse programs. This means that the research results submitted on the beneficial effects of the Compeer Program on mental health recovery are recognized and suggested by the US Department of Health and Human Services.

“Compeer has brought healing friendships to thousands of people around the world,” said Bernice Skirboll, who founded Compeer in 1973 and serves on Compeer Inc.’s Board of Directors. “The inclusion of our model in the NREPP supports our efforts to improve the lives of individuals and families living with mental illness.” Bernice Skirboll started the Compeer Program Model in 1973 after she observed how acts of friendship and interpersonal communication appeared to increase the opportunity for mental health recovery. Compeer now has 55 chapters in the United States, Canada and Australia. Compeer at Far West Center is included in the 55 chapters. 

People who are interested in learning additional information about Compeer, Inc., an international nonprofit organization, can visit their web site at www.compeer.org. Compeer at Far West Center is listed on this web site under “Locations, Ohio.” 

Compeer at Far West Center is looking for more adult community members to join our program and become Compeer Volunteers. Compeer Volunteers are able to schedule their volunteer time around their other weekly activities. Our community Compeer Program also offers a schedule of weekly facilitated social activities for Compeer Volunteers and Members. Most activities involve going to community places like parks, Mitchell’s Homemade Ice Cream, Frankie’s Pizza, and free outdoor concerts.

The Compeer Program at Far West Center reported serving over 120 people this past May. Our program is looking for adult volunteers that can assist with the Compeer, Inc. mission in our communities. Our program office is located at Far West Center, a nonprofit mental health services agency located on the St. John Medical Center Health Campus in Westlake. To receive more information on our program and to become a “Compeer Volunteer” please call Denise Ayres at 440-835-6212, Ext. 242 or send email to compeer@farwestcenter.com.