Compeer Story of the Month!


A Submission From a Volunteer in Butler County, PA Regarding his Compeer Friendship:

Everyone seeks happiness, and the lucky ones discover it.  Some might think, as a close friend thought, accumulating wealth would bring happiness.  However, he said overcoming obstacles was the enjoyment.  A cool drink of water from an old, rusty tin can tastes just as good as one from a silver goblet.  Ask yourself which gave you the most happiness: Gifts you received at Christmas or the gifts you gave.

A friend and I were walking on a cold day.  He had a coat over his arm.  An older man walking towards us said, "You should get that coat on; it is cold."  My friend said, "If a person is not wearing a coat today they should not have one."  He did not miss a stride and gave his coat to the stranger.  The stranger was not wearing a coat.  Happiness is giving of oneself with no thought of getting anything in return. 

 

 

Success Stories

Success Stories

Carol of Naples, Fla., who credits Compeer with saving her life. Carol contemplated suicide many times before getting a Compeer friend. She writes, "Compeer has helped me to stay out of the hospital and it has also helped me to maintain my stability. There were many times I was so discouraged that I would love to permanently end the pain - forever. I no longer want to curl up and cry. Compeer has made such a difference in my life; it is literally my support system and lifeline."
 
Jeff from Philadelphia, who made the transition from a mental-health consumer to a Compeer volunteer. "I have been a consumer for more than 30 years, being diagnosed with schizophrenia a month before my high-school graduation. I know firsthand how it feels to be lonely and isolated, and I wanted to be able to help someone overcome these feelings. I believe having friends and doing things in the community builds confidence and motivation - and helps people cope with stress."

Loyd of Anchorage, Alaska: "Isolation is the worst thing that can happen to the mentally ill. Isolation very often leads to death, while companionship leads to revival, the pure thrill of living. Volunteer companions in the Compeer program eagerly demonstrate that they care about their disabled friends, and slowly, but surely, return that glimmer of a grin back to their once distraught participants."