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About Us

We promote positive mental health.

Compeer develops and delivers evidence-based programs that support individuals on their journey to mental wellness. We engage communities and encourage them to offer their time and talents in support.

The Healing Power of Friendship

We surveyed our program participants, and here’s what we learned:
agree their Compeer Friend has a positive impact on their life
0 %
are more optimistic about the future
0 %
of adults are less lonely
0 %
report that they feel supported by Compeer
0 %
* Data compiled from the 2021 Annual Compeer Survey
Compeer knows that friendship is fundamental to mental wellness. We exist to support people living with mental health challenges on their journey to greater well-being by offering companionship along the way. We believe that everyone needs a friend. For someone struggling with loneliness and isolation — especially those of us with mental illness — a friend can make all the difference.
group in front of fireplace
"The most basic and powerful way to connect to another person is to listen. Just listen. Perhaps the most important thing we ever give each other is our attention.”
Rachel Naomi Remen, PhD

Compeer's Founding

Bernice “Bunny” Skirboll founded Compeer in 1973 in Rochester, New York – several years after her life-changing auto accident. While times have changed, our core purpose has not. Hear from her in her own words about Compeer’s beginnings.
Compeer is an ally with the BIPOC community. While we know we are not experts, we are learning. We ask that you join us as we do our part to dismantle racism and the systems that support it.
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Copyright © 2025

Compeer’s Purpose:  We strive to empower communities worldwide to implement the Compeer model of nonclinical social engagement programs, fostering mental wellbeing through meaningful connections.

 

Values:  Compassion • Opportunity • Mental Wellbeing • Peer Affiliate Support • Equity & Belonging • Empowerment • Relationships

 

Compeer recruits, screens, and matches trained volunteers and mentors in one-to-one supportive friendship relationships with children, adults, military veterans and seniors who are striving for good mental health.

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