Compeer for Kids is a program that serves children ages five through seventeen and their families. The children must have an emotional/behavioral disability diagnosis or be in the process of being diagnosed.

The "Compeer For Kids" program consists of a mentoring program that matches children one- to- one with screened/trained community volunteers. Volunteers provide friendship, support and serve as a positive role model. Children are referred to be matched by their Mental Health service provider.

Compeer For Kids also offers a "Friends for a Day" program. These activities are usually two to three hours in length. Each activity is age appropriate and has a different theme and location each month. Parents/guardians must bring the children to the activity and pick them up from the activity. Parents/guardians are welcome to use the time as "respite" time. Community volunteers assist the Compeer staff with these activities. Activities are most often offered during the day in the summer months and evenings during the winter months.

The Kid's program also offers monthly family activities. These activities are usually held during the day on Saturdays. All family members are encouraged to attend. Family activities have included trips to Strong Museum, Buffalo Naval Park, Fantasy Island and Bowling.

Additional services offered by Compeer "For Kids" are: educational workshops for both parents and children such as Anger Management, resiliency, advocacy and transitioning. Parents and children have been sponsored to attend conferences and trainings sponsored by other organizations. Families receive the monthly newsletter "Family Support Connections."

To participate in program services a child's parent/guardian must attend at least one S.M.I.L.E.(Support Me In Life's Endeavors) Family Support Group meeting every three months. Support Groups meet twice a month in Lockport and Wheatfield. All groups are parent facilitated and provide free child care. Families with a child matched, or waiting to be matched with a Compeer volunteer, are also invited to participate in activities.

Both the program's sponsoring agency, The Mental Health Association in Niagara County Inc. and Compeer "For Kids" program have books and videos concerning individual, family and children's mental health issues available to be loaned.

For more information on any of the Compeer "For Kids" program services or the S.M.I.L.E. Family Support meetings please call 433-3780 and ask for the Peer/Parent Coordinator.

S.M.I.L.E. SUPPORT GROUPS
MEETING DAYS, TIMES AND LOCATIONS

Lockport
Dale Association

33 Ontario St.

Lockport, NY 14094

Meets 1st and 3rd Friday of every month

Tim: 7:00pm - 8:30pm

Northtowns
Wheatfield Community Senior Center
2790 Church Rd.
Time: 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Meets 2nd and 4th Friday of every month

FREE CHILDCARE IS PROVIDED
For more information call Marge at 433-4487, extension 467