Compeer and Skill Builders


The definition of Compeer is a combination of companion and peer. Compeer is a peer mentoring program of friendship and independence for adults receiving mental health treatment. Currently, there are three parts:

Compeer Friends volunteers help consumers increase their social skills, fun activities, and are friends to adults receiving mental health treatment (consumers). This program helps consumers become healthier, more productive members of our community. We are most interested in volunteers who are in recovery from psychiatric illness and want to share their experiences. For information, contact Blair Benson, Director of Supportive Services, 373-1402 ext. 206.

Skill Builders help consumers to become more independent and teaches them how to relax and have fun with classes like cooking, money management, job skills, and yoga and other fun activities. These skills lead participants to have greater independence. For information, contact Rhonda Outlaw, Program Coordinator, 373-1402 ext. 208.
Coffee Club is a social club for consumers and volunteers. Coffee Club members meet once a month so they can chat and get to know each other in a supportive and comfortable place. For information, contact Arleen, Community Volunteer, 373-1402 ext. 234.

Hands of Hope

With the help of many caring people, MHAG provides gifts and socials year round to more than 400 adults and children in Guilford County with mental illness. Churches, clubs, and individuals:

bullet sponsor patients from John Umstead State Psychiatric Hospital by buying items on “wish-lists”
bullet sponsor classrooms of children with behavioral and emotional challenges
bullet make cash contributions
bullet provide soap, shampoo, toothpaste and other personal grooming products
bullet volunteer to wrap and deliver gifts or host social events.

These four programs are called: Care Connection, Operation Santa Claus, Classroom Wishes, and the Special Assistance Fund.

Contact Blair Benson, bbenson@mhag.org or 336-373-1402, for information on volunteering and making donations to Supportive Services.