Friendship is an essential part of everybody’s life.
For those diagnosed with mental illness, making a friend isn’t as easy as for those not afflicted. That is why Compeer Chautauqua matches trained volunteers in one-to-one supportive friendship and mentoring relationships with children and adults receiving mental health treatment. Compeer Chautauqua is part of a national volunteer program that matches screened and trained community volunteers who utilize their compassion and time to improve the quality of life for individuals diagnosed with mental illnesses
From May 12-18, Compeer Chautauqua is hosting Compeer Friendship Week to draw awareness to its program and that May is National Mental Health Awareness month. On Wednesday, Sam Teresi, Jamestown mayor, issued a proclamation to Stacey Fox, Compeer Chautauqua director, recognizing Compeer Friendship Week.
“This is a tremendous service you provide for others,” Teresi said to Fox during the proclamation ceremony. “The most important thing we have to give is our time.”
Teresi said the volunteer driving organization provides an important service to adults and youth who have been diagnosed with metal illness.
“Having a friend is important,” he said.
For those interested in volunteering, Fox said Compeer Chautauqua can be contacted by calling 487-2956 or by emailing foxs@stel.org. She said Compeer Chautauqua is a part of the Southern Tier Environments for Living organization. She added they are located at 97 Forest Ave., Jamestown.
Article by The Post-Journal.