Compeer Niagara is a non-profit, volunteer-based program in Niagara County, NY that serves adults and children who have a mental health diagnosis and limited social supports. Our aim is to improve the quality of life and self-esteem of our clients through social inclusion and enjoyable activities.

     

NOTE TO MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS:

Please read the first pages of the referral packets, as they contain important information regarding eligibility and guidelines for the Compeer Niagara Program. Before referring a client, please ensure interest in participation and basic understanding of the program. Thank you for considering Compeer Niagara for your client! The referral link can be found on the right-hand side of this page.

NOTE TO CASE MANAGERS:

At this time referrals must be approved/signed by your client's Mental Health Professional (counselor, therapist, PMD providing medication management or overview, etc.). Please suggest the program and/or supply information to your client's Mental Health Professional to review/sign. Ensure you are listed as a provider; we will obtain consent from your client and communicate with you as well. Please ensure your client's interest in participation and basic understanding of the program. Thank you for considering Compeer Niagara for your client! The referral link can be found on the right-hand side of this page.  

NOTE TO POTENTIAL MEMBERS:

Are you interested in joining Compeer Niagara? Feel free to explore the referral link found on the right-hand side of this page, it lists eligibility and guidelines. If you have questions, please reach out. If you are ready to move forward with the referral, contact your mental health professional to have them complete it. You are NOT able to complete the referral on your own behalf.

For more information, email Tara Porter, Compeer Niagara Director, at tporter@mhanc.com or call 716-433-3780 ext.307

NOTE TO PROSPECTIVE VOLUNTEERS:

We serve Niagara County community members who have a mental health diagnosis and limited social support. Not sure who that looks like? Odds are it is 1 of the 5 adults or 51% of the youth in the room. The people we know, love, and share a community with. People who want to be more social, have healthy, meaningful relationships and need the opportunity to know what that is. Our aim is to improve the quality of life and self-esteem of our members through social inclusion, enjoyable activities, and the experience of mutual trust in a non-clinical setting. Translation: Life is better with healthy friendships and having fun in the community! Spending time with others is a HUGE piece of mental wellness for everyone.

Below is how we make that happen!

Become a Volunteer: 

You will be matched with a youth or adult community member to establish a mentorship or friendship, spending time being social. Being social can be over the phone and in person. Your friendship looks like whatever you choose! Many volunteers will have a brief chat once a week with their friend and attend one of our Compeer Niagara monthly events together. Others will do things like their grocery shopping, share a meal, share a hobby- it really is whatever you and friend decide it to be!

Become an Activity Volunteer: 

You're unable to volunteer one to one but you'd still love to help? Bring a Compeer Niagara member to an activity! Transportation is a big barrier for many of our members. Pick up a member and come enjoy the activity- afterwards drive a member back home. We do all sorts of fun things from private functions like picnics and banquets to recreation in the community like cruises, festivals, and shows. No matter the event- the donation is an affordable $5.

Become the Activity: 

Do you have a talent, hobby, or interest you'd like to share? BE the activity! We will ensure the space, supplies, and support- you bring the talent, knowledge, or passion! Introducing our members to new talents, hobbies, skills, opportunities, or forms of entertainment- that's what we are all about!

Become an Awareness Advocate: 

SPREAD the WORD!! Do you know a bunch of awesome people? Work with a bunch of cool people? When you think "volunteer", does that one special person come to mind?
Perfect! Please tell everyone about Compeer Niagara! Are you able to hang fliers at work or somewhere else in the community? Are you on social media? Request a flier or "Like" and follow The Mental Health Association in Niagara County Inc. or share our Popl Link!

Become a Sponsor:

A $5 donation ensures a member can attend an event! There are other options you can check out below.