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  • 207 people are interested
 

1 on 1 Friend & Mentor

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ORGANIZATION: Compeer of Greater Buffalo

  • 207 people are interested
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How often do you call upon your friends to get a bite to eat or a cup of coffee? Maybe you go see a movie or just chat on the phone to feel connected and supported. You can be that friend for someone living with a mental health diagnosis!

Having a friend can make all the difference to someone who feels anxious, sad, or lonely. Their isolation could be the result of any number, or combination, of life circumstances. A Compeer Friend helps them socially, becoming a positive role model, helping raise self-esteem, increasing social and communication skills, and encouraging independence.

We match volunteers with youth (ages 6-21), adults (22-59) and older adults (ages 60+) living in Erie County, New York who live with mental illness. Please note most of our clients waiting for a friend live in the City of Buffalo, with some clients living in the suburbs around the county. (We also have an affiliate in Niagara County as well and we would be happy to connect you with them!).

Volunteer screening includes an interview, references, background checks (including fingerprints, local police clearance, child abuse registry, and national sex offender registry), mental health first aid training and volunteer orientation.

Volunteer Friends must be 18 years of age, complete our screening process and onboarding process. Volunteer Friends are asked to spend four hours per month with their Friend and commit to one year of service. Visits between friends take place virtually, over the phone, and primarily in person.

To learn more, use the following link: https://calendly.com/volunteer-compeer/volunteer-interest to schedule a phone call to discuss becoming a Compeer Friend!

To become a Friend, start by submit your volunteer application today! Complete our online application here.

1 More opportunity with Compeer of Greater Buffalo

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About Compeer of Greater Buffalo

Location:

1179 Kenmore Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14217, US

Mission Statement

Champion Mental Wellbeing. Connect People. Building Relationships... One Friend at a Time.

Description

Compeer Buffalo operates four core programs, each focusing on friendship and supportive relationships to encourage mental wellness. These include one-on-one volunteer mentoring, group mentoring social activities, school-based mentoring, and Mental Health Education (including the evidenced based curriculum for Mental Health First Aid). Volunteers become positive role models, help raise self-esteem, increase social and communication skills, and encourage independence for their Compeer friends. The relationship between volunteers and their friends encourages a sense of belonging, trust, respect, hope, support, and empowerment.

The Compeer model of one-to-one support is an evidenced based program that was recognized in 2007 by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) - a branch of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services - as an evidenced based program under the National Registry of Evidenced based Programs and Practices (NREPP).

CAUSE AREAS

Children & Youth
Community
People with Disabilities
Children & Youth, Community, People with Disabilities

WHEN

We'll work with your schedule.

WHERE

Multiple locations Buffalo, NY 14217

(42.97527,-78.87789)
 

SKILLS

  • People Skills
  • Mental Health
  • Relationship Building

GOOD FOR

  • Teens
  • People 55+

REQUIREMENTS

  • Driver's License Needed
  • Background Check
  • Must be at least 18
  • Orientation or Training
  • Approximately 4 hours per month for 1 year
  • Application, Background check, Volunteer Interview, Volunteer Orientation, Mental Health First Aid Training, Proof of Auto Insurance and License.

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