My mother, Ellie, suffers from a severe mental illness. Sometimes her paranoia and depression become debilitating to the point that she stays cooped up in her home and is unwilling to go out and enjoy herself.
Thanks to Compeer, Ellie was paired up with Patty, a volunteer who spends time with her on a regular basis. They have shared over 10 years of memories, and their friendship has made a tremendous difference in Ellie’s life. Having someone call to check on her and make plans to get together helps to bolster her confidence and keep her active.
I have attended a Compeer event with Ellie and Patty, and I could see how much Patty cares about my mother. I believe Compeer is a wonderful program that gives the greatest gift of all to their members—the gift of friendship.