Compeer Friendship Stories

Friendship can change a person's life. Good things happen when you have a friend. Friends listen. They share. Friends are the best kind of medicine for someone who's striving for good mental health. Through Compeer you can be a caring friend to someone. It can be as simple as going for a walk, seeing a movie together or just picking up the phone. It can take as little as an hour a week.

Compeer matches volunteers with adults between the ages of 18 and 90 in the Compeer Program. Currently, we have people matched with Compeer volunteers, but there are still many more waiting for a friend in Licking County. They might even live in your neighborhood.

For more information contact Kristen by e-mail here.

Sam works at a local college campus. Sam has been recognized by Mental Health America for his success and is a long-time volunteer and supporter. After years of experience as a Compeer member, Sam now serves as a volunteer friend. He has been trained to work in a one-to-one supportive match with Robert.

Robert is a very busy man, yet still finds time for his Compeer friend. He holds three jobs, he works for LICCO, the Denison University grounds crew, and he volunteers at Dillon State Park on the weekends. In his free time, Robert studies the piano. But Compeer is special to Robert for the opportunity it provides for social activities. It provides an opportunity for him to meet new friends and perform community service. 

“We’ll work together on that,” is phase that Robert often uses. He values teamwork and respects the unique skills that each person brings to a project. The Compeer club members respect him for his honesty and sincere desire to help others. 

Robert and Sam frequently go for ice cream with other Compeer members, or get together on the weekends. Sam does not attend many Compeer events due to his work schedule, but Robert always comes to Compeer group activities, which range from bowling and picnics, to holiday parties and programs on community health resources.

Jan and Henry are matched as a couple with Becky. Becky was once shy, but with the help of her Compeer friends, she has become very outgoing. Becky volunteers with Compeer each month to contact members and remind them of upcoming events. She calls Compeer club members regularly with a kind word to brighten their day. Becky remembers member’s birthdays and sends get-well notes. Becky has been matched with others, but has a deep connection to Jan and Henry. Becky says she feels like a part of the Mardis family and they enjoy the time that they spend together. Becky loves to bake special treats for Henry who likes desserts, and often speaks to Jan on the telephone.

In fact, Jan and Henry are favorites of all of the Compeer members. The Mardis’ light up a room when they come to Compeer events. Jan is bubbly and outgoing, while Henry is more quiet and very supportive of Compeer members. They are known for their imaginative costumes at the annual Compeer Halloween Party. Both Jan and Becky stay and help clean up after Compeer events.

There are several Compeer members who are waiting for a one-to-one match. There will be a 1 hour volunteer training held this month for individuals who are interested in becoming a Compeer friend. For more information, please call Kristen Frame, Compeer Coordinator at 740-522-1341.