Compeer of Greater Buffalo

Compeer Buffalo operates four core programs, each focusing on friendship and supportive relationships to encourage mental wellness. These include one-on-one volunteer mentoring, group mentoring social activities, school-based mentoring, and Mental Health Education (including the evidenced based curriculum for Mental Health First Aid). Volunteers become positive role models, help raise self-esteem, increase social and communication skills, and encourage independence for their Compeer friends. The relationship between volunteers and their friends encourages a sense of belonging, trust, respect, hope, support, and empowerment.

The Compeer model of one-to-one support is an evidenced based program that was recognized in 2007 by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) - a branch of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services - as an evidenced based program under the National Registry of Evidenced based Programs and Practices (NREPP).