For these people, Community Friends can make a positive difference. Community Friends offers concern and friendship to dozens of men and women who, due to their diagnosis of mental illness, may be denied such support and camaraderie. Community Friends pairs caring volunteers in one to one social relationships with individuals in the community who have mental illness. Community Friends serve as a crucial link in the process of serving the mentally ill in their movement toward a more independent, fulfilled life. Community Friends volunteers provide understanding, encouragement and direction so that persons with mental illness can reach out, be heard and empowered toward wellness.
Friends support and enhance the dignity and rights of persons with mental illness.
Most importantly, a Friend listens, hears, understands and cares. Anyone who has two hours per week and the desire to share in a compassionate and caring way can be a Community Friend. All volunteers will receive training from a team of mental health professionals who donate their time to support the project. Ongoing supplemental training is also provided. The gift of friendship has great benefit to both partners in a relationship.