Compeer Celebrates 50 Years!

Compeer, one of the leading non-clinical mental health agencies that spans the globe, is preparing to celebrate 50 years of providing support through the healing power of friendship.

Celebrating decades of mentorship to individuals who experience mental health challenges, Compeer is calling for additional support to continue its life-changing mission.

BUFFALO, NY (October 10, 2022)

Compeer is gearing up to celebrate a momentous anniversary – 50 years of providing social support and friendship to individuals through the healing power of friendship and connection!
Compeer’s purpose is to promote mental wellness through supportive one-to-one volunteer friendships for individuals of all ages experiencing a mental health challenge. Founded by Bernice “Bunny” Skirboll of Rochester, NY in 1973, Compeer now spans the globe and serves, on average, 2,000 individuals each year, as they move through their mental health journey. Compeer primarily serves youth, adults and veterans with a global reach. With 40 affiliates, Compeer is a critical resource in the United States, Australia, Canada and the UK.
Newly appointed CEO, Cheri Alvarez, MS, leads the charge for Compeer International – having stepped into this role in July.  As the former COO for five years, Cheri is now responsible for overseeing operations and growth of the organization, including a focus on increased brand recognition, continuing to grow affiliates, and most importantly meeting the mental health needs of our community.
“My goal in leading Compeer is to build on the achievements of the past 49 years, and to take Compeer to the next level, while making positive differences for individuals striving for mental well-being,” says Alvarez.
Skirboll says her idea to start this life-changing cause decades ago was to bring the simple promise of friendship into the complex field of mental health.
“Celebrating our Anniversary is an exciting milestone,” exclaims Skirboll. “Compeer is as relevant, maybe more so now, than when it came into existence in the mid-70s. It focuses a lot more on prevention, and the importance of intervening in the early stages of treatment because we all deserve support not just in our triumphs, but also our struggles.”
With World Mental Health Day celebrated on October 10th and the upcoming 50th anniversary, Compeer is stepping into these celebrations with limitless opportunities for growth. Compeer depends on the generosity of our community and is welcoming new volunteers and affiliates, as both are critically needed to the success of this mission. Anyone who wishes to support is encouraged to contact:
Volunteering:
Rijaa Kahn
Volunteer Engagement Coordinator
rijaa@compeerbuffalo.org
New Affiliates:
Amanda Mantino
Affiliate Engagement Coordinator
amanda@compeerbuffalo.org
To arrange interviews with Compeer and those they support, contact Media Consultant Kate Glaser of Hope Rises Network at hello@hoperisesnews.com or 716.807.5523. Kate can handle setting up personalized stories for all interested media.
compeer 50th anniversary logo
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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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