Compeer Program-Family Services of Chemung County

Compeer is an award-winning non-profit organization that matches community volunteers in supportive friendship relationships with persons recovering from mental illness or youth at-risk.

"Compeer" comes from the blend of the words "companion" and "peer". Developed as a non-clinical service for people suffering from mental health issues; the combination of outside stigma and personal debilitation sometimes shut those suffering from behavioral health issues out of society and fellowship. Although not a clinical treatment service, Compeer welcomes the marginalized back into the community and for this, was recognized by the American Psychological Association in 2005 as a best-practice program that aids recovery.