Compeer gears up for two big summer events

The Compeer Program at Far West Center in Westlake is a nonprofit with a focus on ending isolation for adults that are managing mental illness. Compeer volunteers and members are teaming up for two important summer events, the Annual Compeer Picnic and the Greater Cleveland “N.A.M.I. Walks” event.

The Annual Compeer Picnic will be held on Friday, August 23, at Bradley Woods in Westlake. The Annual Compeer Picnic is the event at which our members, volunteers and families gather together to celebrate friendship and the healing power that it offers. The 2013 Picnic Committee has plans underway to choose menu items, plan games and find generous community donors to donate picnic items and game prizes. So far game prizes have been donated by Mitchell’s Homemade Ice Cream and the Cleveland Indians!

If you are interested in becoming part of Compeer's picnic fun there is still time to call the Compeer office at Far West Center: 440-835-6212, ext. 242. Community businesses or organizations interested in donating picnic items, picnic supplies or prizes can also call the Compeer office. 

The second event team that Compeer is getting together is our “NAMI Walks” team for the annual NAMI of Greater Cleveland event being held on Saturday, Sept. 7, at Voinovich Park by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. NAMI stands for the National Alliance on Mental Illness. NAMI of Greater Cleveland is a nonprofit that provides a number of support services and informative groups throughout Cuyahoga County. 

The fourth annual Compeer Program walk team is named the “Compeer Far West Center Walkers.” For the past three years Compeer volunteers, members, staff, family members and family dogs have participated together to help NAMI end the stigma attached to individuals who utilize mental and behavioral health services in their recovery. 

Community members are welcome to join the Compeer Far West Center Walkers for the Sept. 7 event. Please call the Compeer office if you would like to walk 2.5 miles for an important cause. The walk may be a short distance but the cause will have a large positive impact on families and communities. 

Please consider joining the Compeer Program at Far West Center for our two meaningful summer events. Mental wellness is achieved with help from the friendship and support of caring people. As you can see, Compeer participation is time well spent and is also a lot of fun. Adults with a caring heart, a listening ear and a smile to share will fit right in with our teams!

The Compeer Program at Far West Center can also be contacted by email at compeer@farwestcenter.com.