Compeer recognizes volunteers during April

Dr. Ron Arndt, right, a Compeer volunteer and certfied dental coach, and Steve celebrate Steve's birthday at Dave and Buster's. 

Photo by Ron Arndt

April is National Volunteers Month. Organizations throughout the United States rely on volunteers in order to provide services and achieve missions. Without the dedication of volunteers many organizations that provide life-saving services would cease to exist. All of you can name some of these organizations and many of you have volunteered! For some organizations, volunteers serve as the “arms” that reach out into communities and bring help to people in need.

The Compeer Program at Far West Center has dedicated volunteers that change lives by reaching out to adults that have become isolated due to mental illness. People that manage the symptoms of mental illness become isolated from their peers. Some become anxious, depressed or discouraged and find it difficult to reconnect with the communities around them. Compeer volunteers offer the acceptance and encouragement these individuals need to take those first steps back into community life. 

Compeer at Far West Center, and numerous organizations across the country, witness the amazing differences that our volunteers make in the lives of individuals, families and communities. During the month of April, organizations will be honoring their volunteers and giving them much deserved recognition. On Monday, April 28, 6 p.m., at Westlake Porter Public Library, Compeer will hold an evening event to honor our valuable volunteers.

On many occasions, President Barack Obama has stated that he believes every American citizen should participate in volunteering and he has created government support for volunteering goals. On April 4, 2014, President Obama issued a proclamation that declared  the week of April 6-12 as National Volunteers Week. President Obama expressed his strong belief that the volunteers are an important factor in the strength of our nation

“By performing acts of service, we can shape a Nation big enough and bold enough to accommodate the hopes of all our people," President Obama stated in his proclamation. "Across our country, volunteers open doors of opportunity, pave avenues of success, fortify their communities, and lay the foundation for tomorrow's growth and prosperity. They are often equipped with few resources and gain little recognition, yet because of their service, our country is a better and a stronger force for good.”

Have you ever asked “what would happen if volunteers no longer dedicated their time in volunteer efforts?” Perhaps you are a part of the numerous organizations of Westlake or Bay Village which require volunteers in order to function. I’m certain many of you are counted among the national and community volunteer force. 

Compeer is looking for additional men and women that would like to volunteer. Compeer volunteering offers a unique opportunity to create your individual monthly volunteer schedule. Being a Compeer volunteer is rewarding, fun and a great fit for retired adults and college students. Please call 440-835-6212, ext. 242, for information.

Denise Ayres

The Compeer Program has been serving adults that are managing mental illness from our Far West Center office beginning in 1989! The Compeer Program is a branch of Compeer, Inc., an international organization with an evidence based program model. Compeer matches adult volunteers with same gender adult consumers of mental health services to provide friendship, emotional support, and encouragement. Denise Ayres, Compeer Program Coordinator, is a Licensed Social Worker with many years of working in adult mental health services.  Holly Henderson, Peer Support Specialist,is certified as a state Peer Counselor.

Read More on Community Service
Volume 6, Issue 8, Posted 10:16 AM, 04.15.2014