ORGANIZATION: Compeer Sarasota @First Step of Sarasota
Want to volunteer and have fun at the same time? You can do that by being a Compeer friend. Compeer Sarasota is looking for male volunteers to work with male youth clients. Compeer matches children who have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder with a fully-vetted volunteer who acts as a friend, role model and mentor. You do not need any kind of degree or experience with mental health - we are simply looking for people willing to become a friend.
Our volunteers become friends, mentors and role models, help raise self-esteem, increase social and communication skills and encourage independence for their Compeer friends by providing the gift of caring and compassion along with a listening ear. We ask that you spend four hours a month with your Compeer friend in a one-to-one relationship doing things like taking a walk, going for coffee, seeing a movie, playing games, eating out, visiting museums, anything that you would normally do with a friend. We try to match you with a youth who shares your interests. Your schedule is flexible based on the times available to both you and your friend.
During this time of COVID, students' lives have been changed. Their school experience has been difficult for many. At the same time, their computer skills have probably greatly improved. Through virtual platforms, Compeer has ways to connect with these youth while protecting the health and safety of all. Even if you are not physically present or are uncomfortable meeting in person, you can still make a difference in their life by staying in touch through social media, the phone, and video chats. Youth seem to be comfortable with these forms of communication.
People from all walks of life, nationalities, and backgrounds can become Compeer volunteers. Training by our Compeer Coordinator is provided to all volunteers.
You can learn more about Compeer at our website, https://www.compeersarasotayouth.org.
Contact Dale Wolfson at 941-953-0000, ext. 5144, dwolfson@fsos.org, or Amy Stein at 941-953-0000, ext. 5161, astein@fsos.org.
1750 17th St., Bldg. G, Sarasota, FL 34234, US
Our Mission: To improve the lives of those living with mental illness so that the day comes when all communities embrace individuals and their families living with mental health challenges.
Compeer's mission is to match volunteers with children and adults receiving mental health services in a supportive friendship. You do not need any kind of degree or experience with mental health - we are simply looking for people willing to become a friend. This will be the most rewarding volunteer experience you will ever have, and you will have FUN doing it!
Our volunteers become friends, mentors and role models, help raise self-esteem, increase social and communication skills and encourage independence for their Compeer friends by providing the gift of caring and compassion along with a listening ear. We ask that you spend four hours a month with your Compeer friend in a one-to-one relationship doing things like taking a walk, going for coffee, seeing a movie, playing games, eating out, visiting museums, anything that you would normally do with a friend.
During this time of COVID, many peoples' lives have been changed. Many people are feeling more isolated and alone. Compeer has ways to ease that isolation through virtual platforms while protecting the health and safety of all. Even if you are not physically present, you can still make a difference in someone's life.
Training by our Compeer Coordinator is provided to all volunteers.
Sarasota and Manatee CountiesSarasota and Bradenton, FL 34236
June 15, 2022