{"id":1707,"date":"2025-10-21T11:06:21","date_gmt":"2025-10-21T15:06:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/greatermentalhealth.org\/?post_type=article&p=1707"},"modified":"2025-10-21T11:33:59","modified_gmt":"2025-10-21T15:33:59","slug":"more-than-companionship-the-power-of-connection-in-mental-health-recovery","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/greatermentalhealth.org\/es\/articles\/more-than-companionship-the-power-of-connection-in-mental-health-recovery\/","title":{"rendered":"More Than Companionship: The Power of Connection in Mental Health Recovery"},"template":"","class_list":["post-1707","article","type-article","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","article_type-articles"],"acf":{"details":{"featured_image":1708,"article_type":11,"description":"Highlighting Greater Mental Health's Compeer Program<\/a>"},"page_layout":[{"acf_fc_layout":"layout_wysiwyg","_acfe_flexible_toggle":"","component_wysiwyg":{"columns":"one","header":"","content":"In a world where connection can be one of the most impactful aspects on a healing journey, Greater Mental Health of New York is making friendship a cornerstone of mental health recovery. A chapter of Compeer International, our program pairs compassionate volunteers with adults navigating sustained recovery, offering not just companionship but sincere connection.<\/a> Whether it\u2019s sharing a walk in the park, enjoying a meal, watching a movie, attending an art exhibit, visiting the library, or watching a sporting event together, these moments foster meaningful relationships that uplift both the Compeer friends and the volunteers themselves. It\u2019s more than just spending time\u2014it\u2019s about building lives enriched by empathy, laughter, and genuine human connection.\r\n\r\nTo highlight the power of connection in mental health recovery, we interviewed Compeer participants and volunteers Cindy<\/strong>, Dawn<\/strong>, and Rozz<\/strong>. Over 20 years, they have developed genuine friendships that have brought so much to their lives.\r\n\r\nCan you each share a little about what brought you to the Compeer program initially?<\/strong>\r\n\r\nCindy:<\/strong>\r\nI came to the Compeer program because I was feeling really alone and did not have any friends in my life. I wanted someone I could talk to and connect with. After some time in the program, I was introduced to Rozz, and we have now been friends for nineteen years. She has been a constant in my life through my ups and downs. I feel so lucky to have Rozz in my life\u2014she is a true friend. I do not know what I would do without her.\r\n\r\nDawn:<\/strong>\r\nAbout fourteen years ago, I met with a Compeer Coordinator who asked if I was interested in having a Compeer friend. She thought Rozz and I would be a good match, so she gave me Rozz\u2019s phone number. Rozz and I spoke on the phone, then we met in person, and now we have been friends for fourteen years.\r\n\r\nRozz:<\/strong>\r\nTwenty years ago, I was referred to the Compeer Program by the Rockland Independent Living Center\u2014now called Bridges. At the time, I was struggling with depression and anxiety after a painful breakup that left me feeling isolated. When I met with the Compeer Coordinator, I thought I was there to be matched with someone who would support me. Instead, she said, \u201cYou\u2019re going to be a volunteer.\u201d That moment changed everything. I was no longer seen only through my struggles\u2014I was seen as someone who could offer hope. I began volunteering in 2005, and that experience opened the door for me to join Greater Mental Health of New York as an employee. Nearly two decades later, I\u2019m still part of the same mission\u2014both as staff and as a volunteer\u2014giving back through the very program that helped me find purpose.\r\n\r\nHow has your personal journey evolved since joining the program?<\/strong>\r\n\r\nCindy:<\/strong>\r\nI have learned that I am not the only person with problems, and that has helped me feel less alone. I also started getting along with people better and feeling more confident talking to my doctors. I have found a real friend in Rozz, and having her in my life has made such a difference.\r\n\r\nDawn:<\/strong>\r\nOver the years, I\u2019ve learned to open up more and be myself. Through my friendship with Rozz, I\u2019ve grown emotionally and feel more confident sharing my thoughts and feelings.\r\n\r\nRozz:<\/strong>\r\nMy journey has evolved in such a meaningful way because of the two amazing women I\u2019ve been matched with as a Compeer volunteer. Even though I was originally there to support them, they\u2019ve become a constant source of strength and friendship for me as well. I thought I would be the one offering hope, but instead, I gained two lifelong friends who remind me that support can flow both ways.\r\n\r\nWhat are some of your favorite memories together over the past 20 years?<\/strong>\r\n\r\nDawn:<\/strong>\r\nOur long and in-depth conversations over the phone. Our trips to the Dollar Store and to Dunkin\u2019 Donuts for coffee. Getting together with Cindy, and all three of us going out.\r\n\r\nCindy:<\/strong>\r\nWhat means the most is that Rozz does not try to control me or tell me what to do. She lets me make my own decisions, and I really appreciate that. I like my independence, and Rozz respects that. Always remember that there are people who want to help, and you can find a friend just like I found Rozz.\r\n\r\nRozz:<\/strong>\r\nOne of my favorite memories is making strawberry pancakes with Cindy in my first apartment\u2014she helped me set up and celebrate my new home. I also treasure the simple, everyday moments: deep talks, laughter, and knowing she\u2019s always there. Dawn gives me calm, thoughtful advice and helps me slow down and see things clearly. With both Cindy and Dawn, I\u2019ve found something rare\u2014friendship that\u2019s deep, lasting, and truly supportive.\r\n\r\nHow has your friendship helped you through difficult times?<\/strong>\r\n\r\nCindy:<\/strong>\r\nWhenever I have needed Rozz, she\u2019s always been there for me, no questions asked. Especially when it comes to my basic needs, she has helped me out without hesitation. She stood by me through so many of my problems. I have always loved Rozz for that.\r\n\r\nDawn:<\/strong>\r\nOur telephone conversations when we talk about what we did recently, our feelings, and our problems. Spending time together, sharing our thoughts, enjoying each other\u2019s company, and supporting one another. Rozz has also helped me with setting up my doctor\u2019s appointments and taking me to the doctor. She also visited me in the hospital after I had my surgeries.\r\n\r\nRozz:<\/strong>\r\nMy friendships with Cindy and Dawn have helped me through some of the hardest times in my life. Just knowing I had someone to talk to, lean on, cry with, or simply call made all the difference. What means the most is that they\u2019re there with no expectations or judgment\u2014just true, loyal friendship. They are my \u201ctrue blue\u201d friends, and I cherish that with all my heart.\r\n\r\nIn what ways has your friendship changed or shaped who you are today?<\/strong>\r\n\r\nCindy:<\/strong>\r\nThanks to my Compeer friend, Rozz, I am more outgoing, I can communicate my needs better, and I feel less depressed. I honestly do not know what I would do without her; she is the best.\r\n\r\nDawn:<\/strong>\r\nJust having someone to talk to on the phone means so much to me. I have someone to reach out to when I need support, and she always calls me back. I am better able to communicate with my cousins, and I have developed closer relationships with them. Rozz has helped me overcome my shyness by telling me to take things in stride and that everything works out okay. I feel more grounded with myself thanks to Rozz, and she helps me stay centered when I am depressed.\r\n\r\nRozz:<\/strong>\r\nMy friendship with Cindy and Dawn has shown me that it\u2019s truly possible to have long-lasting, loyal friendships that stand the test of time. They remind me that I\u2019m not alone and that real, lasting friendship\u2014the kind you can actually touch\u2014is not only possible but life-changing.\r\n\r\nWhat lessons have you learned from each other over the years?<\/strong>\r\n\r\nCindy:<\/strong>\r\nOver the years, being with my Compeer friend, Rozz, has taught me a lot, especially about loyalty. She has supported me through tough times and even helped me quit smoking. I have also learned how to speak up for myself more and advocate for what I need.\r\n\r\nDawn:<\/strong>\r\nLoyalty, caring, gentleness, and just being a friend\u2014all things I have learned from my friendship with Rozz.\r\n\r\nRozz:<\/strong>\r\nOver the years, I have learned what it truly means to have a real friend. Dawn and Cindy taught me the value of honesty, hope, and being there for someone with no conditions attached. I\u2019ve learned that real friendship exists\u2014the kind where someone genuinely cares about you, worries about your well-being, and wants to see you okay.\r\n\r\nWhat advice would you give to others just starting out in the Compeer program?<\/strong>\r\n\r\nCindy:<\/strong>\r\nBe patient, and give some time to get to know one another. Building a connection doesn\u2019t happen overnight. Also, remember everyone has their own struggles, and you are not alone.\r\n\r\nDawn:<\/strong>\r\nTake it step by step. Be honest, be loyal, and be yourself.\r\n\r\nRozz:<\/strong>\r\nGive it time. Not every match will click right away, and that\u2019s okay. Spend a few weeks getting to know each other\u2014sometimes it takes time, and sometimes it\u2019s just not the right fit. But when it works, it\u2019s life-changing. A true friend is someone you can talk to, laugh with, and be yourself around. If you have even one friend like that, you\u2019re lucky. I have two, and I never take that for granted.\r\n\r\nHow do you plan to continue supporting each other in the years to come?<\/strong>\r\n\r\nCindy:<\/strong>\r\nRozz is the best friend I've ever had. I love her sense of humor, and one of my favorite quotes is \u201cA friend in need is a friend indeed.\u201d I admire Rozz, and by being friends with her, I have picked up some of her good habits, like quitting smoking.\r\n\r\nDawn:<\/strong>\r\nWe will continue to support each other by being friends and listening to each other carefully and just trying to be there for each other, because that\u2019s the most important thing.\r\n\r\nRozz:<\/strong>\r\nThrough every high and low, we\u2019ve stood by one another. I plan to keep showing up, listening, and encouraging my friends the way they\u2019ve always done for me. Our friendship has lasted twenty years because it\u2019s built on care, trust, and loyalty\u2014and I know it will continue that way for many years to come.\r\n\r\nLearn more about Greater Mental Health's Compeer Program.<\/a>","content_2":""}},{"acf_fc_layout":"layout_image_and_text","_acfe_flexible_toggle":"","component_image_and_text":{"image":1710,"heading":"","description":"Our Compeer program, a chapter of Compeer International, matches friendly, sociable volunteers with adults in Rockland County who are in sustained recovery for their mental health. The volunteer and their matched Compeer typically take walks, grab a bite to eat, watch a movie, attend an art exhibit, visit the library, go shopping, or catch a sporting event together. Volunteers provide an extra level of positive friendship, support, and social interaction to help their Compeer friends \u2013 and the volunteers themselves \u2013 feel more fulfilled and engaged.","button":{"title":"Learn More","url":"https:\/\/greatermentalhealth.org\/compeer\/","target":"_blank"},"alignment":"-flip","color":"-cs:b3 -cs:i"}}]},"yoast_head":"\nMore Than Companionship: The Power of Connection in Mental Health Recovery — Greater Mental Health of New York<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/greatermentalhealth.org\/es\/articles\/more-than-companionship-the-power-of-connection-in-mental-health-recovery\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"es_MX\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"More Than Companionship: The Power of Connection in Mental Health Recovery — Greater Mental 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