At the conclusion of the group time, parents and kids come together to complete a joint activity designed to facilitate family communication about their grieving process. A Community Support System, Inc. sponsors a Compeer program which is a nationally based program that matches children and adults with mental illness with volunteers recruited from the community to provide support and friendship to the individual who is diagnosed with a form of mental illness. The Clinic initiated the project under the governance of the InterFaith Advisory Board. The program was established to counter the loneliness and isolation that so often afflicts persons with mental illness. Compeer affords the individual the opportunity to develop a relationship with someone who cares and is sensitive to their needs.
Friendships help people grow and increase their self esteem and self confidence.