/** Keela donation **/

Begin a Friendship Journey

Compeer provides a non-clinical layer of support to youth, adults, older adults, veterans and postpartum women living with a mental health challenge. A variety of volunteer opportunities are available for individuals as well as groups.
Youth program mentor accepts award

You’ve gotten this far. That shows us that you just might be the right person that is fit to be a Compeer volunteer. Take a moment to see which volunteer opportunity is the right fit for you.

Interested in referring the youth, adult or older adult you are working with to the Compeer Program for a volunteer friend or mentor? Click on the referral link below and fill out the referral form for a Compeer friend.

Questions? Call (716) 883-3331 for more information or email us at staff@compeerbuffalo.org

Interested in volunteering, but want to know more?

Sign up for a live 30-minute virtual information session to learn more, here.

 

Volunteer Roles

One-to-One Friendship

Best for: Individual volunteers
Clients served: Children, Adults, Older Adults, Veterans

One-to-One Friendship volunteers assist someone living with a mental health diagnosis by spending approximately 4 hours with them per month. Volunteers are positive role models who help raise self-esteem, increase social and communication skills, build trust, increase a sense of belonging, and encourage independence for their Compeer friend. After completing the application process, volunteers are presented with information about potential matches based on their areas of interest and the needs of our clients.

Phone Buddies

Best for: Individual volunteers
Clients served: Adults, Older Adults

Phone Buddy volunteers provide weekly support over the phone to an adult or older adult client who is waiting for a One-to-One Friendship volunteer. Volunteers are positive role models who help raise self-esteem, increase communication skills, build trust, increase a sense of belonging, and encourage independence for their Compeer friend. After completing the application process, volunteers are presented with information about potential phone buddy matches based upon their areas of interest and the needs of our clients.

Social Activity Volunteers

Best for: Individual or Group volunteers
Clients served: Children, Adults, Older Adults, Veterans

Social Activities are offered to both matched friends and clients waiting to be matched. These free group activities provide opportunities to get to know one another, reduce isolation, and improve socialization. Activities range from crafts to holiday parties to nature walks, and we are always adding more! Activity volunteers support group activities by hosting or supporting activities virtually or in person in the community. After completing the application process, volunteers work with Compeer staff to identify opportunities that meet their interests.

To learn more, contact our volunteer department,

at volunteer@compeerbuffalo.org or 716-883-3331.

 

Volunteer Areas

Youth

https://mentors.mentorcore.com/compeer/index.php?section=application&action=new&fwID=1638

Adult

https://mentors.mentorcore.com/compeer/index.php?section=application&action=new&fwID=1543

Older Adult

https://mentors.mentorcore.com/compeer/index.php?section=application&action=new&fwID=1545

Veterans

https://mentors.mentorcore.com/compeer/index.php?section=application&action=new&fwID=1546

Postpartum Women

https://mentors.mentorcore.com/compeer/index.php?section=application&action=new&fwID=2419

 

To learn more or discuss an opportunity that interests you, contact Lisa Johnson, Director of Volunteer Engagement at lisa@compeerbuffalo.org or 716-883-3331.

Eligibility Requirements

Prospective Volunteer:

  •    – Minimum age of 18.
  •    – Complete a full background check (Criminal History Check- local police and fingerprint; Child
  •        Abuse Registry, National Sex Offender Registry) facilitated by Compeer.
  •    – Complete an in person, phone, or virtual interview.
  •    – Provide contact information for three individuals who will serve as a reference.
  •    – Complete an in person or virtual volunteer applicant orientation.
  •    – 1-to-1 Mentor requires a driver’s license and vehicle, as you often transport your friend.
  •    – 1-to-1 Mentor and Phone Buddies require 1 year commitment.
 
 

Responsibilities

Responsibilities of Approved Volunteer

  •    – Submit monthly updates to Compeer.
  •    – Submit updated driver’s license and proof of auto  
  •        insurance.
  •    – Complete the annual program survey.
  •    – Have fun! 

Responsibilities of Compeer

  •    – Recruit, interview, screen and provide training to
  •        volunteers before they are accepted into the program.
  •    – Give ongoing support and training to all volunteers
  •        matched with a client.
  •    – Monitor the volunteer and client relationship via
  •        phone/email and monthly update forms.
  •    – Get to know the volunteer to present best match   
  •        options to applicants interested in working with a client.


Are you ready to start your volunteer journey?
Apply today!

Volunteer Application

A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are.

Bernard Meltzer

Friends gathering for picture

Compeer’s Purpose:  Champion Mental Wellbeing. Connect People. Build Relationships… One Friend at a Time.

 

Values:  Mental Wellbeing • Inclusion • Trust & Transparency • Integrity • Curiosity

 

Since 1985, Compeer Buffalo has been providing social support in the form of friendships, to individuals (age 6 and up) who are striving for mental wellbeing. We know that friendship decreases loneliness and isolation, therefore we offer 1:1 friendship, social engagement activities, school-based mentoring, and mental health education in our community.

Compeer logo