Volunteer Opportunity Details:

"Compeer" means a companion who is also a peer or equal. Loneliness, failure, fear and loss of self-esteem are universal experiences of those who suffer from mental illnesses. A caring friend can help to restore some joy and hope to a life that is often empty of both. Compeer provides a fun flexible volunteer opportunity that fits into your current lifestyle. You can choose to spend time with someone your own age, or older, or younger than yourself. As a volunteer, you will meet with your friend on a regular basis at mutually convenient times to share activities you enjoy such as movies, sports, shopping or coffee and a chat or many of the free activities sponsored by the Compeer Program. Through the gift of your friendship, you will gain a sense of satisfaction and personal growth and have the opportunity to help another.

As a Compeer volunteer you would join thousands of other volunteers who come from all walks of life, all races, all religions, and from both urban neighborhoods and rural communities. Training, ongoing education and support is provided by the Compeer staff.

Susan and Florence

When potential Compeer volunteers apply, they are asked to make just a one-year commitment to their matches, but unsurprisingly many of our pairings grow into long-term friendships which endure for years. While Susan and Florence may not own the record for longest Compeer friendship, they very likely have one of the most touching, meaningful, and caring relationships. After six years together, their friendship continues to blossom.

"I can't believe it's been so long,"says Susan. "It really doesn't seem that long ago. I guess time does fly when you are having fun."

Thinking back to their first outings together as a match, Florence admits to being slightly apprehensive even though they had known each other previously.

"I couldn't believe it at first. I was shocked! I was really nervous, but Susan was so nice and so smart. That made it easy. Now, we're just like sisters," comments Florence. "Susan is always there for me and takes care of me when I'm in need."

Susan, coordinator of volunteer services at Roswell Park and a former employee of Compeer, is certainly no stranger to helping others. She has spent the better part of her professional career dedicated to assisting those with special needs. And, at the age of 58, Susan is far from slowing down. Despite her busy work schedule, Susan always does her best to make time for Florence. Usually, her outings with Florence are the highlight of an otherwise stressful week. "I look forward to seeing Florence so much. We laugh a lot and always end up having a good time together," says Susan.

The vivacious duo are avid shoppers, spending much of their time together trying to seek out the best deals. Often, they finish up a long day of bargain hunting with a well-deserved dinner at one of their favorite restaurants.  "We always eat well when we go out together. It's one of our favorite things to do," admits Florence.

In fact, one of Florence's most vivid memories of her friendship with Susan is about the pair's first trip to a local Olive Garden, which capped off a wonderful day together spent celebrating Florence's birthday. After sharing a savory meal, their table was approached by the restaurant staff, which began clapping and singing "Happy Birthday" to Florence.

"Six waitresses or so lined up in front of our table, and I had no idea what they were going to do, and Susan was just smiling! Then they started singing to me! It really felt good to have people sing to you on your birthday," recounts Florence. "I'd never had something like that happen to me before . They certainly don't sing to you at McDonald's or Burger King."  However, while Susan and Florence enjoy their good times together, what makes their friendship truly remarkable is the patience and love they show for each other when times are rough.

"We're really good friends and truly understand each other. When Florence is feeling low I'm there to pick her up and help her out. And, Florence is even more understanding, especially now that my mother's been sick recently and I've had to spend so much time away. She's really helpful to me as a friend, and always tries to make me laugh," reflects Susan.

Susan counts Florence as one of the most important people in her busy life, and is happy that she decided to get matched in the senior program. "The one thing that I really enjoy about Florence is that she's an adult and has a lot of life experience. We really learn so much from each other and about each other. Plus, she has such a great personality", gushes Susan. "She's really blessed with the gift of laughter."

Truly, the relationship enjoyed by Susan and Florence is a model for all of our matches. To have the privilege of seeing the two interact is something special and inspiring, as their friendship is based on mutual respect and understanding, and, of course, their love of shopping. Yet, while Susan decided to get matched with Florence so that she could assist a kind, humorous senior who was dealing with the many difficulties accompanying the aging process, she admits that often it is not Florence who is the primary beneficiary in their relationship, but rather Susan herself.

Potential volunteers go through an initial screening process - all handled quite simply by trained Compeer staff. There is a 3 hour training session which is offered at various times - days, evenings and weekends. Volunteers need to be over the age of 18. We ask our volunteers to see their friends on a regular basis for a few hours a month.

This opportunity is sponsored by: Compeer of Greater Buffalo

Volunteers will work with the following groups Adolescents (13-17) Older Adults (55+) Adults (26-54) Women Children (5-12) Young Adults (18-25) Men This volunteer opportunity is available to the following types of volunteers Adults (26-54) Unpaid Interns Adults (55+) Young Adults (18-25) We need volunteers who are free at these times Occasional Weekly

Contact Person: Sarah Stimm, Director, Adult & Senior Services, (phone), (email) View all agency contacts

Address:

135 Delaware Avenue, Suite 210 Buffalo, NY 14202-2410 (See a map)

Directions:

Compeer of Greater Buffalo serves all of Erie County. You will only need to come to the Delaware Avenue address for your initial interview, a 3 hour training, and a match appointment. We will match you up with a person in an area that is convenient to you. For Angel Cards, we will bring them to you.

Details where opportunity can also be performed

This opportunity can also be performed in these locations:

Counties:		Erie

5 Overall Experience   
I am making friends and changing lives.

I have been a mentor with Compeer since 2007. My friend Kyle and I get together weekly. We go to the zoo, science museum, out for ice cream, or even go to the park and hang out on the swings. This summer we signed up for the Reading Rules summer reading challenge. We already read one book, and wrote a 10-sentence summary this summer. We enjoy spending time together. posted by KMBPeffer on June 29, 2009