Our Story

Compeer’s mission is to use the power of volunteer friends and mentors to improve the lives of children and adults who are striving for good mental health. It is hard to come up with a picture of the people who are in need of a Compeer friend. They come from different backgrounds. Each person Compeer serves faces different challenges.

Many of the adults in the program have become isolated and lonely. Some have few social supports because of their illness. Many of the children need role models and a special adult who they can trust. The gift of  friendship is given without expecting anything in return. Simply stated, a friend believes in us. The relationship formed between volunteers and their friends encourage a sense of belonging, trust, and self-esteem. The majority of referring professionals stated, in yearly Compeer satisfaction surveys, that the friendship has helped their clients. Compeer is the remarkable story of personal change brought about by friendship.

Compeer, Inc. originated in Rochester, New York. The Program began in 1973 as “Adopt-A-Patient,” a project of the Rochester Mental Health Association. The original program served residents at the Rochester Psychiatric Center; a state operated inpatient mental health facility.

By April 1976, the program had grown to 35 active volunteers, became recognized as a unique volunteer program, and was supported by 15 area foundations. In 1977, the program name was changed to Compeer to better reflect the mission. In 1984, the Rochester Compeer program became an independent agency, Compeer, Inc. In 1982, Compeer secured a grant from the National Institutes of Mental Health to develop Compeer programs across the United States. Rochester, New York served as the headquarters and has more than 50 chapters across the country and around the world. In May 1989, Southern Tier Environments for Living, Inc. (STEL) developed the Compeer Chautauqua program in Jamestown. In June of 1999, STEL added the Compeer Youth Program.

Sponsored by:

Organized as a non-profit voluntary organization, the mission of Compeer Chautauqua is:

Volunteers use the power of friendship to help people with mental illnesses live happier, more productive lives.

We will accomplish our mission through:

• Providing an emotionally or mentally diagnosed individual the support and friendship of a one to one relationship with a trained, and screened volunteer.
• Increasing public awareness and understanding of the loneliness, helplessness, and emotional needs of those diagnosed with mental illness.