Compeer Program Listed In National Registry of Evidence Based Programs

ComThe peer Program at Far West Center in Westlake has been creating friendships, promoting mental health and wellness, and changing lives since 1989. It is funded by the ADAMHS Board of Cuyahoga County and serves adults countywide, including Rocky River and Fairview Park.  Compeer serves to empower individuals on their paths to recovery from mental illness. Trained community volunteers are matched, one to one, with same-gender adults seeking mental wellness treatment services to help them in managing symptoms.  Volunteers offer friendship and encourage socialization in order to decrease the isolation that too often accompanies mental illness. 

On June 12, Compeer Program affiliates were contacted by Johanna Ambrose, CEO of Compeer, Inc., and sent a press release that stated “the Compeer Program Model has been added to the SAMHSA National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices.”  SAMHSA stands for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, which is a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  The NREPP is a searchable online database of substantiated evidence-based mental health and substance abuse programs.  Acceptance into this database means that the research results submitted on the beneficial effects of the Compeer Program on mental health recovery are recognized and suggested by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 

 “Compeer has brought healing friendships to thousands of people around the world,” said Bernice Skirboll, who founded Compeer in 1973 and serves on Compeer, Inc.’s Board of Directors.  “The inclusion of our model in the NREPP supports our efforts to improve the lives of individuals and families living with mental illness.”   Bernice Skirboll started the Compeer Program Model in 1973 after she observed how acts of friendship and interpersonal communication appeared to increase the opportunity for mental health recovery.  Compeer has 55 chapters in the U.S., Canada and Australia. 

Compeer at Far West Center is looking for more adult community members to join our program and become Compeer volunteers.  Volunteers can schedule their volunteer time around their other weekly activities.  Our community program also offers a weekly schedule of facilitated social activities for volunteers and members.  Most activities involve going to community places such as parks, Mitchell’s Homemade Ice Cream, Chick-fil-A, and free outdoor concerts like “Pie In The Park.” The Compeer Program at Far West Center reported served over 120 people as of this past May. 

Our program office is located at Far West Center, a nonprofit mental health services agency located on the St. John Medical Center Health Campus in Westlake.  To receive more information on our program and to become a Compeer volunteer, please call Denise Ayres at 440-835-6212, Ext. 242 or send email to compeer@farwestcenter.com .

People who are interested in learning additional information about Compeer, Inc., an international nonprofit organization, should visit www.compeer.org.  Compeer at Far West Center is listed on this web site under “Locations, Ohio.”