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WORKING
TOGETHER
FOR
HEALTHIER
MINDS
140 N. Elm Street
Butler, PA 16001
Local #:
(724) 287 - 1965
(724) 431 - 2207
Toll- free #:
1 - 888 - 329 - 0468
Fax #:
(724) 287 - 7090
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BACK |
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FORWARD |
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All of us know that occasionally someone touches
our lives, befriends us, and cares about our well- |
| being without expecting anything in return. The happiness
that friendship can bring does much to |
| encourage us to believe in ourselves; in fact it promotes
good mental health. The COMPEER Program |
| understands how valuable friendship is for people who are
recovering from a mental illness. Our |
| program matches people with emotional or mental problems on
a one-to-one basis. COMPEER is |
| looking for volunteers who are caring people to befriend
some on with an illness. Volunteers can |
| provide the comfort and reassurance need to win the fight
against mental illness, "the loneliest illness |
| in the world." |
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COMPEER AND THE VOLUNTEER
COMPEER Volunteers . . .
COMPEER AND THE MENTAL
HEALTH CLIENT
Mental Health Clients . . .
 Are arranged by their
therapist or intensive case manager |
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| Generally, show increases in
their senses pf security, self-esteem, positive risk taking (such as |
| education and employment training), communication
skills, social skills, interpersonal |
| relationships, and independence |
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| Experience decreased
psychiatric hospitalization rates, and use of emergency services |
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| Find it easier to comply with
treatment plans and medication requirements |
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| Enjoy visits with their
COMPEER friends, as well as, phone calls and e-mails |
COMPEER . . . FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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| 1.) What are the full responsibilities if I volunteer?
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| ANSWER: Volunteers
agree to spend about four hours a month with their COMPEER
Friends. |
| Very often, as relationships bloom into full
friendships, more time is spent, but this is a decision |
| made between friends. Additionally, the volunteer
completes a short monthly report about the |
| time spent meeting with their friend. |
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| 2.) Do I, as the volunteer, have to bear the financial
cost of activities? |
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| ANSWER: No, each of
you pays for your self. |
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| 3.) What if we don't get along? |
| ANSWER: While this
is rare, if either party doesn't feel that things are working out, despite
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| support from the COMPEER affiliates, a change in
friends can be requested. |
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| 4.) What kind of activities can we participate in
together? |
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| ANSWER: That
depends entirely on the types of things that you both enjoy, since matches
are |
| made based on shared interests. Activities are limited
only by the imagination! Have coffee or tea |
| together; go to a movie or for a walk. In addition,
COMPEER affiliates often plan group activities, |
| such as picnics, annuals dinners, ball games, etc. |
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| The COMPEER Program is a volunteer effort which is
socially beneficial to others and personally |
| satisfying to yourself. The appreciation of a friend is
expressed in words and actions in many special |
| ways. Friendship is truly a priceless treasure! |
JOIN
US . . . YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Please contact Elaine Callihan, COMPEER
Program/Volunteer
Coordinator at (724) 287-1965 Ext. 228
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