Capital District Compeer Program

The Capital District Compeer Program is an award winning, volunteer driven program aimed at helping adults and children living with, and recovering from mental health and/or emotional challenges. Compeer volunteers and programs help people develop lasting social interaction, community integration, and improved self-esteem. Compeer recruits, trains and matches volunteers from the community as social friends and role models. Compeer also recruits volunteers from the community to lead or assist with educational and social get-togethers. Compeer offers fun and flexible volunteer opportunites that fit into your current lifestyle.

Changing the lives of people living with mental and emotional disorders, volunteers, and the communities we all live in and share

What is it and why?  The Capital District Compeer Program is a volunteer driven program aimed to help adults and children living with and recovering from mental health and/or emotional challenges develop lasting social interaction and community integration. We have our popular "1 to 1 Match Program" where volunteers spend 4 hours a month with an adult or child and simply "be a friend" to them by going out for coffee, walks, movies, eating out, and more. We also have a popular "Skillbuilders Program" where a volunteer shares their skill, hobby, or talent with other volunteers and consumers in a group setting for 1-2 hours. Compeer supplies the materials. Some past Skillbuilders have included growing indoor houseplants, antique coin collecting, caving, creative/therapeutic arts, and a community garden. The options are endless. We also have monthly social activities including movies, games, crafts, holiday celebrations, and more! Participation in any Compeer event counts towards the 4 hours per month for 1 to 1 matches! Volunteers are trained and supported by empathetic staff.