Compeer International

10/20/2026

Affiliate Spotlight: Compeer Canberra, Australia! 🇦🇺 Compeer isn't just a U.S. organization; our affiliate network spans the globe, including this program based in Canberra through the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Wherever it operates, Compeer's mission stays the same: pairing volunteers with people facing mental health challenges to build real, lasting friendships.

10/17/2026

Meet Judy 💙, a volunteer with our Lebanon affiliate and one of thousands across the Compeer network who give just a few hours a month to be a friend. Watch to see what that friendship looks like. No special background required, just consistency and care. Ready to be that person for someone in your community?

10/16/2026

💚 More Good Days, Together | MHA Conference 2026

As we wrap up an inspiring experience at the 2026 Mental Health America Conference in Washington, D.C., we reflect on the meaningful conversations, valuable insights, and connections that continue to shape the future of mental health and wellness.

Cheri Alvarez, CEO of Compeer Buffalo and Compeer International, and Kendra Elliott, Director of Compeer International, joined mental health leaders, advocates, and organizations from across the country to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships, and explore innovative approaches to mental wellness.

From adolescent mental health to social prescribing and addressing loneliness among older adults, one message remained clear: Human connection is essential to our mental and emotional well-being.

These conversations reinforced Compeer’s mission of reducing isolation, fostering meaningful relationships, and strengthening communities through the power of friendship.

Beyond the insightful sessions, the opportunity to reconnect with longtime partners, build new relationships, and explore future collaborations made this experience especially meaningful.

Innovation matters. Research matters. But human connection remains irreplaceable.

We leave inspired and committed to creating communities where everyone feels seen, valued, and connected.

💚 Because stronger connections create more good days.

Check on your friends 💚

10/15/2026

Compeer Rochester Reminder ⬇️

⏰ Register now through September 30 for your Early Bird Discount! The Compeer Mile, our annual walk to make the world less lonely, is happening November 1 in Downtown Rochester!

This walk — our largest fundraiser of the year — brings the community together to celebrate the power of connection and the importance of mental wellness. The one-mile route begins and ends at Compeer Rochester , circling Martin Luther King Jr. Park at Manhattan Square along the way. Register today to join the fun and help raise dollars and awareness for mental health — proceeds support critical work that betters the lives of people facing mental health challenges in our community.

Every registration includes a Compeer t-shirt, with the option to add a reduced-admission Strong Museum ticket or an extra shirt. 📍 Start/End: Rochester, 259 Monroe Avenue | Check-in: 10-11am | Walk begins: 11am

Register today: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/compeerrochester/event/thecompeermile2026/?mc_cid=015bb959d0&mc_eid=dd5a19caa8

10/13/2026

Celebrating Longstanding Partnerships and the Power of Connection! 💚

Another wonderful highlight of attending the 2026 Mental Health America Conference was reconnecting with members of the, Mental Health America of Dutchess County, NY a longtime and valued Compeer affiliate!

It’s always a pleasure connecting with those who have been part of the Compeer family for so many years, sharing experiences, exchanging ideas, and celebrating the meaningful work happening within our network.

It was especially rewarding to attend their presentation at this year’s conference and learn more about the innovative approaches and impactful work their team continues to bring to the mental health community.

Strong partnerships are built through shared purpose, meaningful relationships, and a continued commitment to making a difference.

Grateful for our longstanding partnership with MHA of Dutchess County and for opportunities like this conference that allow us to reconnect, learn from one another, and continue strengthening the Compeer network.

Because when we connect, collaborate, and learn together, we strengthen the communities we serve! 💚

10/12/2026

The Power of Connection: Living the Compeer Mission! 💚

Another meaningful highlight of attending the 2026 Mental Health America Conference was having the opportunity to meet and connect with Jeffrey McQueen, Executive Director of, Mental Health Association of Nassau County for the first time in person!

Our conversation was a wonderful reminder of the importance of building relationships, sharing ideas, and exploring opportunities to strengthen the communities we serve.

What made this connection even more special was learning that Jeffrey doesn’t just support the Compeer mission through his leadership; he personally lives it! Jeffrey has been a Compeer volunteer, maintaining a one-to-one friendship with his matched participant for many years. That level of personal commitment speaks volumes about the power of friendship, consistency, and simply showing up for someone.

Leadership is powerful, but leadership rooted in personal action creates an even greater impact.

These are the stories that remind us why Compeer’s mission matters. Meaningful connections can change lives, and sometimes the greatest difference we make comes from simply being a friend.

Grateful for the opportunity to connect with Jeffrey and excited about the possibilities for continued collaboration!

Because connection isn’t just what we advocate for. It’s what we practice. 💚

10/11/2026

Once Compeer family, always Compeer family! 💚

One of the highlights of attending the Mental Health America 2026 Conference in Washington, D.C., was reconnecting with Angela, a former Compeer affiliate from the Carolinas!

It was such a joy catching up, hearing how she’s doing, and sharing a few smiles along the way. No matter where life’s journey takes us, our Compeer connections remain meaningful, and those who have been part of our network will always be part of our extended family.

That’s what makes conferences like this so special. Beyond the valuable conversations, innovative programming, and new opportunities for collaboration, it’s the relationships we’ve built and the connections we continue to nurture that make the experience truly rewarding.

Because at the heart of Compeer, it’s always been about the power of human connection. 💚

Check on your Friends 💚

10/10/2026

Today is World Mental Health Day, and the close of Check on Your Friends Week. 🧡 Across every Compeer affiliate around the world, we've seen this week how much of a difference it makes when someone feels less alone. Whether it's a friendship match, a phone call, or simply checking in, connection is one of the most powerful tools we have for mental wellness. However you mark today, we hope you take a moment to check on someone you love, and let someone check on you too.

10/09/2026

Check on your Friends 💚

Mental health is not a sign of weakness, and vulnerability should never be mistaken for a lack of strength. 💚

Attending the 2026 Mental Health America Conference has been a powerful reminder of the importance of creating spaces where people feel safe enough to be seen, heard, and supported.

One of the most impactful conversations centered on men’s mental health and the courage it takes to be vulnerable. Hearing from former NFL player and mental health advocate Marcus Smith II, alongside Dwight Hollier, reinforced an important message: Men are often taught to be strong, to endure, and to carry their struggles silently. But strength should never be measured by how much pain someone can hide.

True strength is having the courage to acknowledge what hurts, the willingness to seek support, and the freedom to be human without fear of judgment.

We must continue challenging the stigma surrounding mental health, especially the expectation that men must suffer in silence.

Mental wellness is not just about surviving our struggles. It’s about connection, compassion, understanding, and knowing that no one should have to navigate life’s challenges alone.

Vulnerability doesn’t diminish strength. It gives strength a deeper meaning.

“Check on your strong friends” Hollier

The Circle of M

https://marcussmithii.com

10/08/2026

Check on your Friends 💚

💚 More Good Days, Together | Mental Health America Conference 2026

Cheri Alvarez, CEO of Compeer Buffalo and Compeer International, and Kendra Elliott, Director of Compeer International, were honored to attend the 2026 Mental Health America Conference in Washington, D.C., alongside leaders, advocates, and organizations dedicated to advancing mental health and wellness.

One message echoed throughout the conference: human connection is not simply a social need. It is essential to mental and emotional well-being.
From discussions on the impact of technology on adolescent mental health to innovative approaches such as social prescribing to address loneliness and isolation among older adults, the conversations provided valuable insight into the evolving future of mental health support.

These themes reinforce the heart of Compeer's mission: building meaningful relationships, reducing isolation, and strengthening communities through the power of friendship.

Research matters. Innovation matters. But genuine human connection remains irreplaceable.
As we look ahead, the opportunity is not only to expand access to mental health support, but also to reimagine how we create belonging, foster relationships, and build communities where every person feels seen, valued, and supported.

We leave inspired by the conversations, new partnerships, and shared commitment to creating lasting impact.
Because more good days are possible when we work together. 💚