[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 143 (Tuesday, October 14, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2034]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           TRIBUTE TO COMPEER

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. LOUISE McINTOSH SLAUGHTER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 14, 2003

  Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a dual milestone in 
the history of Compeer, Inc., an outstanding organization based in my 
district of Rochester, NY. Compeer was founded to foster friendships 
between its caring volunteers with adults and children with mental 
illness. Since its establishment, Compeer has mushroomed into an 
international program with chapters in 100 cities, 30 States, Canada, 
and Australia. This year marks the 30th anniversary of Compeer's 
founding in Rochester, its 20th anniversary of operations across the 
Nation.
  Individuals with mental illness often face a daunting array of 
challenges. In addition to their diagnosis, they may be faced with 
difficulties in finding or keeping employment opportunities, housing, 
and other basic necessities. Too many lack a support network of family 
and friends to buoy them during tough times. Compeer helps to fill that 
gap by enabling friendships to form and grow. Isolation and loneliness 
often accompany mental illness, but they do not have to be inevitable.
  Compeer has enabled hundreds of people to live independently as 
mentally and emotionally healthy individuals. Under the Compeer model, 
patients, volunteers, therapists, and staff work together to promote 
the total health of a client. In an era of rising health costs, Compeer 
provides an affordable, effective method of improving the quality of 
life for individuals battling mental illness.
  The Compeer program has been replicated many times across the Nation, 
and has received numerous awards, including being named a model program 
by the National Institutes of Health in 1982. In 1999, executive 
director Bernice Skirboll represented Compeer at the landmark White 
House Conference on Mental Health, where the program was praised.
  Indeed, no tribute to Compeer would be complete without acknowledging 
the unparalleled devotion of CEO and Founder Bernice Skirboll. Bernice, 
or ``Bunny'' to the many who know and love her, has been the driving 
force behind Compeer's success. Her tenacity, compassion, and 
commitment to individuals with mental illness are legendary. Her great 
legacy will be the continuation of Compeer's good work for decades to 
come.
  Compeer staff and volunteers should take great pride in the knowledge 
that they have made a difference. Through their selfless work, they 
have shown that the power of love and friendship can triumph over 
loneliness, isolation, and mental illness.
  I invite my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 30th anniversary 
of Compeer, Inc., and in honoring the volunteers, therapists, and staff 
of Compeer for their concern, compassion, and tireless efforts.

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