Friendship is a powerful thing and can have such an impact on an individual’s mental wellness. Loneliness, failure, fear, and loss of self-esteem are universal experiences for those suffering with a mental illness. A caring friend can restore joy and hope to a life that is often empty of both.

That’s where the MHA Compeer Program comes in.

This community-based program serves adults and veterans by partnering a volunteer with someone in need of a friend or mentor.

We carefully screen our volunteers to ensure the best possible match.

Volunteers can choose what role they want to have. This can be a one-to-one friendship, a phone buddy, or volunteer at social activities.

A volunteer typically interacts with their Compeer friend for an average of 4 hours per month, roughly 1 hour a week. We help our volunteers find the best opportunity that fits their schedule.

We’re always looking for volunteers! Here are the requirements for volunteering for the Compeer program:

• Minimum age is 18
• Complete a full background check (criminal history check, child abuse registry, and national sex offender registry)
• Complete an in-person, phone, or virtual interview
• Provide 3 references we can contact
• Commit to volunteering for 1 year
• If you choose to transport your new friend, we’ll need a valid driver’s license and information about your vehicle including insurance information

To be a participant in the Compeer program:

• Participants can be referred by their therapist or intensive case manager if there is a primary diagnosis of an identified mental health disorder
• Participants should be currently receiving mental health counseling/treatment
• Participants need to be in the recovery phase of their illness and not be verbally or physically aggressive nor have thoughts of harming themselves or others

If you’re interested in being a friend to someone who needs one, please complete our Volunteer Application:

Participants in the Compeer program have shown an increase in self-esteem, communication, social skills, and may even make positive decisions such as furthering their education or getting a job.

A decrease in psychiatric hospitalization and use of emergency services for those participating in the program has been seen. Participants may even find that they are more accepting of treatment plans and medication requirements and look forward to visits, phone calls, or e-mails with their Compeer friend.

To refer a participant, please complete our Compeer Referral Form: