Compeer of Family Services of Chemung County, Inc. is a rewarding mentoring program that recruits and trains community volunteers in socialization skills needed to assist individuals with mental health illnesses and youth at-risk in the community.  Compeer firmly believes that our volunteers are the “true heroes” of the program, giving of themselves each month so that we may continue serving individuals that are in need of a special friendship.  Compeer volunteers play a critical role in the success of our mentoring friendships – they provide a powerful, supportive friendship that helps build self-esteem; encourages positive attributes for strong social, cultural, emotional, and academic growth; helps build family and community relations, positive school and peer interaction; and most importantly, provides a friendship to an individual that is in need of a special friend, all while building socialization skills, reducing isolation, and improving their quality of life.