Compeer is A Member Agency of the United Way of Lebanon County, Inc.

News

Della Reese is New National Spokesperson for Faith in Action Programs!

The Faith in Action (FIA) 2003 National Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana convened on April 30, May 1 and 2, and brought together new and experienced program directors to share their secrets of success: how to manage volunteers and improve the quality of their volunteer services to people living in the community with long-term illnesses or disabilities. Your director lead a breakout session for FIA programs that serve people with mental illnesses. At the convention I had the distinct pleasure of meeting actress, ordained minister, and blues/gospel performer Della Reese [pictured at left], star of television’s “Touched by an Angel.” We shared an elevator ride to the keynote address with the new President & CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Dr. Risa Lavizzo-Mourey. Ms. Reese was introduced to more than 600 delegates as the new national spokesperson for the Faith in Action national network of volunteer programs. “Millions of Americans need our help or they will lose the independence they cherish,” said Ms. Reese. “Faith in Action volunteers can help meet the need.” With Della joining the movement, we hope that the increased visibility of Compeer’s Faith in Action Project will help bring more volunteers from our Lebanon Valley—which will in turn help even more of our friends and neighbors who are in need of the healing power of friendship and respect. Ms. Reese added, “I can’t believe that this magnificent work is going on and few people know about it—I will put an end to that!”

2002 Compeer Satisfaction Survey Results Are In!

The calendar year 2002 International Affiliation of Compeer Programs Surveys were mailed out to volunteers, their Compeer friends, and case managers in the first week of December 2002. Consumers and volunteers were surveyed anonymously. Questions were developed to measure consumer outcomes, impact on the community and customer satisfaction. Seventy-seven out of one hundred twenty-eight surveys were received on or before the January 15, 2003 deadline for a return rate of sixty percent. In our Lebanon Valley:

§        93% of consumers experienced improved “self-esteem”, and 92% said they felt more self-confident. This large effect was corroborated as reported by their referring mental health professionals who said that fully 81% of their clients experienced both improved “self-esteem” and improved “self-confidence.”

§        Case managers reported that 89% of their clients experienced “decreased loneliness” as a primary aspect of their Compeer friendship; while 73% of consumers self-reported “decreased loneliness” as a benefit of a the Compeer relationship.

§        77% of consumers reported that they experienced more “trust in others,” and 82% said that they felt improved “comfort in social situations.” 73% of Compeer friends experienced enhanced “trust in others” and 80% improved “comfort in social situations” as reported by their referring mental health professionals. Volunteers reported positive influences of the Compeer relationship for 84% and 94% of their friends for those measures, respectively.

§        56% of the consumer respondents who had a goal to engage in “work, educational, and volunteer goals” said the relationship helped them in pursuit of employment training. 50% said that the Compeer relationship contributed to a positive change in the opportunity to educate themselves; and 57% had an opportunity to explore volunteer work in the community in 2002.

§        Mental health professionals report that the Compeer relationship had the positive effect of improved “adherence to medication and treatment plan” for 50% of their clients, and that 44% of their clients became more engaged in treatment. Consumers self-reported effects of 67% and 57%, respectively.

§        83% of consumers of mental health services self-reported a reduction in hospitalizations and 57% said they made more appropriate use of emergency services. Volunteers echoed these positive influences for 82% and 60% of their friends for those measures. Fully 56% of the consumers who had the goal self-reported reductions in hospitalizations, and 39% of case managers and therapists said their clients made more appropriate use of emergency services during the year.

§        For people with a goal to achieve “greater independence in living situation,” 80% of the respondents said the Compeer relationship had a positive effect; 86% and 65% of their volunteers and case mangers, respectively, concurred with the self-assessment.

§        Additionally, consumers, their mental health professionals, and volunteers all reported a 100% satisfaction rate in response to the question, “Overall, are you satisfied with the services of Compeer as an organization?” for the calendar year 2002.

The results from more than 115 other Compeer programs will be compiled by the IACP and shared with Compeer affiliate programs, grantmakers, and mental health professionals. The results of the surveys will be put to use for program development, public relations purposes, and volunteer recruitment by the IACP and Compeer of Lebanon County. Thank you to all who took the time to complete the annual survey. Your feedback is important to the continued growth and success of the program.

Compeer Featured in 2002 United Way Campaign Video

The United Way of Lebanon County held its Annual Kick-Off Luncheon for the 2002 Campaign at the Quality Inn on Wednesday, September 4th. The main event was a premier of the new campaign video featuring UW Fundraising Campaign Chairperson Jim Bates and vignettes from the Salvation Army, Compeer of Lebanon County, and Habitat for Humanity. Compeer friends Gabi Terrill and Bev Barnes [pictured at right] “co-starred” in the video, telling their stories about the healing power of friendship. Please join Gabi, Bev, and others by supporting your United Way Campaign . . . together we are neighbors helping neighbors!

Lower that Stigma Wall & C.H.A.R.G.E!

Mental Illness Awareness Week 2002 was celebrated as consumers, family members, friends, case managers, and community-based support staff worked together to lower the walls of stigma and prejudice during Compeer of Lebanon County’s Recovery Series Workshop titled C.H.A.R.G.E! - Challenge History, Advocate & Recover Gainful Employment on October 1, 2002.

It is well known that many people with mental illnesses make outstanding contributions to society; however, stigma and stereotype have been barriers to meaningful work opportunities for many people with mental illnesses. In fact, it has been estimated that the unemployment rate among those with persistent mental illnesses is an astonishing 90% -- far higher than the 50% unemployment rate among individuals with physical or sensorial disabilities. Workshop facilitators Kathy Debrason [pictured above], Shelley Bishop, and Jennifer Kramer from the Pennsylvania Mental Health Consumers Association (PMHCA) introduced participants to the hope and reality of recovery by sharing their personal stories of recovery. The workshop and three breakout groups explored false historical opinions and provided shared experiences and information necessary to maintain wellness and advocate for equal access, opportunities and employment. Tony Philipelli, Dean of the Lebanon Campus-Harrisburg Area Community College and his staff, provided a top-notch venue for the workshop in the new Technology Center auditorium and classrooms. Thanks to Jennifer Bofinger of OpenMindsOpenDoors, a Pennsylvania initiative aimed at ending discrimination against people who have mental illnesses, all participants took home a copy of a powerful anti-stigma video on CD-ROM. The OpenMindsOpenDoors campaign is coordinated by the MHA of Pennsylvania, with support from more than a dozen mental health organizations and businesses across the state. If you would like a copy of the video on CD-ROM contact Jennifer Bofinger at (215) 922-2122 or email jen@openmindsopendoors.com

Compeer Volunteers Featured in Latest "Chicken Soup" Book!

Compeer of Rochester’s own Barbara Mestler, a 28-year volunteer and Director of Livingston County (NY) Compeer Program, and her friend Millie, are featured in the newly-released Chicken Soup for the Volunteer’s Soul. Their story, one of eighty selected from more than three thousand submissions, lends tremendous credibility and exposure to Compeer programs across the United States, Canada and Australia.

This collection of true stories celebrates “the Spirit of Courage, Caring and Community.” If you would like to learn more about the benefits of volunteerism, you may purchase a copy of Chicken Soup for the Volunteer’s Soul directly from Compeer of Lebanon County for only $12.95. This series of heart-warming stories will make a wonderful gift for a special person. The publisher, as a courtesy, is providing copies to Compeer affiliates for resale. Net proceeds of local sales by Compeer volunteers will directly benefit the program of work of Compeer of Lebanon County. Call the office to order your copy.

Congratulations and "Kudos" to New Compeer Friends

A warm thank you to the new Compeer volunteers who persisted through the application process, training, and sometimes long wait for a Compeer buddy: Abbey Fields, Rob Heim, Shawn Malone, and Bob Edris. And congratulations and kudos to new Compeer friends Linda Light and Pam S, Penny Munnion and Ernetta C., Betty Cek and Karen S., Brenda Kerstetter and Denise H., BettyAnn Lenich and Eleanor K., Abbey Fields and Debbie G. “Compeer Calling” volunteer Shawn Malone was activated to provide interim telephone support to Thomas W. as he awaits a one-to-one match.

"Thank You for Your Support!"

Todd Hallowell, Executive Producer of the Oscar-winning film A Beautiful Mind, donated a commemorative leather-bound book with all of the film’s Oscar advertisements & articles, a crew hat, and a copy of Akiva Goldsman’s screenplay. These items were sold on eBay to an anonymous benefactor for more than $500.00 to benefit the program of work of Compeer of Lebanon County. The movie’s message of hope, recovery, and the power of relationships has done so much to lower the wall of stigma surrounding people with a diagnosis of a severe mental illness. A Beautiful Mind is a ground-breaking step towards inclusion of people with mental illness in "normal" life.

A profit of $585.50 was realized by the CommonThreads Sale that was held in August, thanks to all of the friends of Compeer that sold and purchased these high-quality catalog items. There were absolutely no customer returns! And Compeer volunteers and friends participated in Boscovs Department Stores’ “Friends Helping Friends,” a day of shopping, refreshments and door prizes that benefits participating non-profit agencies. Preliminary returns indicate that Compeer of Lebanon County made at least $490.00 through the efforts of dedicated volunteers who sold discount coupons for $5.00 each—100% of their sales benefited Compeer’s program of work. Thank you to Mr. George Keller of Blind Owl Graphics for his generous contribution of cash and in-kind graphic design services in support of the program of work of Compeer of Lebanon County.

And thank you to the Women of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church and the Women of the Church of the Good Shepherd for extending invitations to your director to present programs highlighting Compeer’s Faith in Action project in general, and “How to Create Caring Congregations” in particular. Both groups made a cash contribution to Compeer’s program of work.

More News & Notes ~ Archives

More than fifty people attended Compeer's 3rd Annual Friendship Picnic on Saturday, June 22, 2002, at historic Coleman Park, in Lebanon. Fellowship, fun, food, and games were enjoyed by all. Picnic committee members Darlene Mies [pictured below, right], Betty Hamilton, Tina Bord, Denise Johnson [pictured above, left], Dr. John Biever, Tony Cek and Reverand Bill Ward filled the 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM event with goodwill and a celebration of recovery through supportive friendships. Heidi Z. made a large assortment of crafts and Darlene Mies solicited donations from numerous companies via the Internet for BINGO prizes. Denise H. and Angela C. won the door prize drawings.

The eighty residents of the American House Personal Care Home were treated to a summer social on July 9th from 7:00 to 8:30 PM. Compeer volunteers and friends made table decorations, snacks and hand-made gifts to celebrate our country’s freedoms. Board Chair, John A. Biever, MD, provided keyboard accompaniment for a rousing patriotic and inspirational “sing-a-long” that was enjoyed by all.

Pastor Charles Doll of The Quentin United Church of Christ invited Compeer Board Chairman and President of the Quentin UCC Consistory, John A. Biever, MD, to lead the congregation in worship on Sunday, June 16, 2002. Compeer Executive Director, Tony Cek, was asked to give a sermon from the pulpit titled “Transforming faith inaction into Faith in Action.”

Terry Bradshaw New National Spokesperson for Compeer

Through the cooperative effort of neighboring Compeer programs in Lancaster and York, a thirty-second public service announcement featuring Terry Bradshaw, Pittsburgh Hall-of-Fame quarterback and sports commentator, was distributed to television broadcast stations in Lebanon, Lancaster, York, and Adams County.

Terry Bradshaw says: "You know, success on the football field takes skill, leadership and teamwork. Well, I'm here to tell you about a team more valuable than any Super Bowl champion . . . Compeer! For nearly thirty years, Compeer has enriched the lives of children and adults by providing supportive friendships. You can do your part by joining the Compeer team--and being a friend to those in need. After all, just a few hours a month can have the impact of a lifetime."

Thanks to Drexel Wright and Julie McCullough, the volunteer recruitment video appears on the Comcast cable system’s community access channels in the Central Pennsylvania region.

2001 Compeer Satisfaction Survey Results . . .

The calendar year 2001 International Affiliation of Compeer Programs Surveys were mailed out to volunteers, their Compeer friends, and case managers in the first week of December 2001. Consumers and volunteers were surveyed anonymously. Questions were developed to measure consumer outcomes, impact on the community and customer satisfaction. In our Lebanon Valley:

Compeer friends experienced improvements in social skills [80.0%] and decreased isolation and loneliness [81.3%] as noted by their referring mental health professionals; volunteers reported positive influences of the Compeer relationship for 84.2% and 85.7% of their friends respectively; and 88.9% consumers self-reported a positive impact on comfort in social situations and decreased loneliness, respectively.

Compeer friends experienced improved self-esteem [73.3%] and greater independence in living situation [81.8%] as reported by their referring mental health professionals; volunteers reported positive influences of the Compeer relationship for 73.7% and 72.7% of their friends respectively; 90.0% consumers self-reported a positive impact on self-esteem, and 85.7% felt more able to live independently in the community.

For the consumer respondents who had a goal to engage in educational and volunteer activities, 100% reported that the Compeer relationship contributed to a positive change in the opportunity to educate themselves and perform volunteer work in the community in 2001.

Fully 42.9% of Compeer friends experienced reductions in hospitalizations, and 75.0% experienced a more appropriate use of emergency services during the year as noted by their referring mental health professionals; volunteers reported a positive influence for 33.0% of their friends on both measures; and 85.7% consumers self-reported a reduction in hospitalizations and 50.0% said they made more appropriate use of emergency services, respectively.

Compeer friends experienced improved self-confidence [60.0%] and enhanced trust in others [73.3%] as reported by their referring mental health professionals; volunteers reported positive influences of the Compeer relationship for 80.0% and 88.9% of their friends respectively; 100.0% consumers self-reported a positive impact on self-confidence, and 100.0% said that they felt more trusting of others.

Fully 70.6% of the case managers and therapists that responded to the survey attributed the progress that their clients have made to the Compeer program, in comparison to their clients who did not have a Compeer buddy in 2001.

Consumers self-reported a 90.0% satisfaction rate in response to the question, “Does the volunteer do what Compeer expects of them?” and self-reported an 88.9% satisfaction rate in response to the question, “Overall, are you satisfied with the services of Compeer as an organization?” for the year 2001.

Thank you to all who took the time to complete the annual survey. Your feedback is important to the continued growth and success of the program.

One Hundred People Attend Compeer's "Spirituality & Mental Health" Workshop at HACC-Lebanon Campus

One hundred people were present for a keynote address by Enos D. Martin, MD, and participated in a workshop on "Spirituality & Mental Health" facilitated by Maxine Bender-Brey, MSW, on Tuesday, October 2, 2001. This interfaith workshop explored the importance of spirituality in the healing process. Participants discussed ways to assist people on their journey of recovery from a mental illness and examined different types of spirituality groups and spiritual practices.

The program was designed for people with a mental illness, family members, significant others, friends, clergy and the laity representing all faith traditions, case managers, and provider staff.

Sponsored in part by Compeer of Lebanon County’s Faith in Action project grant, and by a "seed grant" from the Central Region Community Support Program (CSP) Committee.

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Makes "Faith in Action" Award to Compeer of Lebanon County

Watering a garden, playing cards, shopping for groceries, talking, or just being a friend. They are simple tasks, but tasks that enrich the lives of elderly, disabled, and chronically ill people all across America. Since its beginnings in 1983 (as the Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers Program), The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Faith in Action program has inspired volunteers of faith congregations to help chronically ill people to live and maintain social connections in their communities. The program has grown to include 1,100 interfaith coalitions and many thousands of volunteers. And now that effort is expanding. The Board of Directors is happy to announce that Compeer of Lebanon County is one of the newest Faith in Action programs. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has approved a grant in the amount of $35,000 in 30-month support of Compeer's participation in the foundation's Faith in Action program, beginning July 1, 2001.

"Nobody makes a greater mistake that he does nothing because he could do only a little." - Edmund Burke

“Faith in Action has successfully mobilized tens of thousands of volunteers for almost twenty years. These volunteers help their chronically ill, frail and disabled neighbors with simple everyday activities or by simply being a friend,” said Steven A. Schroeder, M.D. president and CEO of The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. "Faith in Action is a national movement that is inspired by the enormous willingness of Americans of all faiths to join together and help their neighbors in need through local volunteerism."

"Faith in Action is built on the values that all religions have in common: a mandate to do good works by helping those who need assistance," said Burton Reifler, M.D., National Program Director for Faith in Action. Dr. Reifler is a member of the faculty of The Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, based in Princeton, NJ, is the nation's largest philanthropy devoted exclusively to health and health care. It concentrates its grantmaking in three goal areas: to assure that all Americans have access to basic health care at reasonable cost; to improve care and support for people with chronic health conditions; and to promote health and reduce the personal, social and economic harm caused by substance abuse — tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs.”

Adapted and reprinted with permission from Advances, The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s quarterly newsletter

CLICK HERE TO EMAIL:
Teri Birch
Executive Director

News

Compeer of Lebanon County250 S. 7th St., Suite 2Lebanon, Pa 17042717.272.8317

Compeer of Lebanon County
250 S. 7th St., Suite 2
Lebanon, Pa 17042
717.272.8317