At Compeer Buffalo, we partner with mental health professionals and volunteers to support adults and youth who are seeking meaningful social connection as part of their overall wellness.
As of January 29, 2026, Compeer is relaunching our client application process with an expanded social connection model designed to increase access, flexibility, and engagement for individuals across Erie County.
We believe that our volunteers, through the healing power of friendship, contribute to the mental well-being of those we serve.
Clients must partner with their licensed or credentialed mental health professional to submit an application.
Clients must also be:
Clients may participate in structured group sessions, social activities, and community-based events designed to reduce isolation and build connections.
Some clients may be matched with a Certified Peer Specialist who brings lived experience and peer-based support.
When available, clients may be matched with a trained community volunteer for social connection and friendship.
Compeer will contact the Referring Professional to begin the referral eligibility review process within 10 business days.
Eligible referrals will complete the intake process, which may take approximately 2 weeks to complete. Follow up documents will be sent to client for completion and are required to finalize registration process in the Compeer program.
Within 2 weeks, ineligible referrals will receive formal notification to both the client and referring professional. At this time, the file is closed.
Registered Compeer members will receive a welcome packet and can begin attending social activities. Confirmation of this will also be sent to referring professional.
For more information on the 1:1 community-based referral process, please contact Hayley Kasprzycki, Client Engagement Coordinator, at (716) 883-3331 ext 322 or hayley@compeerbuffalo.org.
What to Expect Next
What Happens After an Application Is Submitted
Compeer reviews the application to determine eligibility for the program.
If the application is deemed eligible, Compeer sends intake paperwork to both the client and the mental health provider.
The client completes the required paperwork and returns it to Compeer.
Once paperwork is received, the client is invited to attend a Compeer orientation. Orientation provides an overview of the program, expectations, and next steps.
Acceptance into the Compeer program occurs after the client has completed orientation.
After acceptance, the client is connected to Compeer services.
If you have questions about eligibility, program availability, or the application process, please contact Mark Gatti, Peer Support Specialist at 716-883-3331 ext 325.
• Recruits, interviews, screens and trains volunteers before they are matched and gives ongoing support and training during the match
• Monitors the volunteer and client relationship via phone/email and monthly update forms and will advise mental health professional of any concerns that may arise.
• Gets to know the client via communication at time of referral, Compeer events, and checking in by phone.
• Available to answer questions that Compeer may have to help determine the most successful match for the client and volunteer.
• Available to discuss issues of concern throughout the duration of the match.
• Notifies Compeer of any changes in client’s mental health, mental health provider, or contact information.
• Notifies Compeer if they end services with the client, whether matched or waiting.
• Provides a secondary mental health professional contact if they will not be the primary point of contact for Compeer.
• Completes the annual Compeer survey.
• Supports the referral.
• Commits to participating in visits with their friend.
• Commits to working in partnership with Compeer and sharing their voice about how things are going.
• Commits to completing annual Compeer survey.
• Agrees to completing all necessary intake paperwork.
• In person mentors spend approximately 4 hours per month with their friend, which includes a combination of in-person, phone and virtual contact.
• Phone buddies make one phone call per week to their friend, over the course of 1 year or until matched in an in person friendship.
• School-based mentors spend approximately 1 hour per week with their student at school (in person or virtually).
• Group Activity volunteers interact with clients on a fluid basis as often as clients attend Compeer’s social activities.
• Volunteers complete an interview, background checks, and training prior to being approved in the program.
• Volunteers are responsible for submitting a monthly update of time spent interacting with their friend. They also complete the annual Compeer survey.
