Compeer Chautauqua is a volunteer friendship program for adults and youth, ages 5-17, striving for better mental health.
Southern Tier Environments for Living Inc. a nonprofit agency providing residential and rehabilitation services, started the successful Compeer adult program in 1989 and the Compeer for Youth program in 1999.
Compeer International was awarded a federal grant to promote nationwide mentoring for youth who receive counseling. Compeer Chautauqua, located at 97 Forest Ave. in Jamestown, was one of the 12 Compeer affiliates chosen to receive this funding for the youth mentoring program.
Today’s youth are faced with many challenges. Research reports are showing that depression and anxiety are on the rise among teens regardless of demographic differences. Fortunately, many parents and teachers know the importance and benefits of linking youth to counseling and mental health services in order to treat symptoms and provide coping tools.
It has been proven by Compeer International and other youth service organizations that when mentoring is added for a youth engaged in counseling, it increases self-esteem and the achievement of positive goals.
Compeer Chautauqua is looking for caring adults that can offer four hours each month to be volunteer mentors for youth ages 5-17 actively engaged in counseling. Compeer provides training and continuous, one-to-one support to qualifying mentors.
Four hours of volunteering can make a significant difference for a youth. Children managing depression and anxiety often start to feel isolated and develop low self-esteem. Isolating from peers and the community leads to additional, complicated problems.
Mentors help a youth feel a sense of acceptance, belonging and hope for his or her future. Volunteer time consists of phone calls, outings in the community, shared interests and staff facilitated group social activities.
Article by The Post-Journal.