Bring the Healing Power of Friendship to Your County:
Starting a New Compeer Program
Representatives from the Pennsylvania Compeer Coalition (PCC) are available to help guide you through the start-up process. The PCC is dedicated to helping new counties begin a Compeer initiative. Each new start-up will be matched with an existing Compeer affiliate to assist in the creation of a local Compeer program in a supportive, mentoring relationship.
Programs in Pennsylvania operate within two models: some Compeer Programs are independent nonprofits; other affiliates are programs within other social service agencies. Our PCC representatives can help guide you to which model makes the best sense for your location and the resources available within your county.
Below are the basic steps to start a program in your area:
Form an Advisory Committee
Invite community stakeholders to strategically plan how a Compeer initiative in your area will better the lives of individuals in your county who have a mental health diagnosis. Contact the PCC using our online form; a representative will be in touch to mentor you through the process.
Submit a Proposal to Compeer
Your advisory committee can help develop the proposal. PCC representatives and Compeer Inc. staff can provide guidance, information and support which it has compiled from years of experience. You can find a full list of proposal requirements on the Compeer Inc. website at http://compeer.org/StartAProgram.aspx.
Establish Funding Sources
Programs are required to have a minimum starting budget of $40,000, 25 percent of which can be in-kind gifts such as staff, printing and materials, possibly telephone, travel, postage and other operating expenses. Compeer Inc. encourages a minimum staff of at least 19 hours part-time initially.
The Approval Process/Annual Dues
Compeer Inc.’s president and/or board chair reviews each proposal. Upon approval, you will receive a licensing agreement, which should be returned with a start-up fee of $1,800. In Pennsylvania, OMHSAS will contribute the start-up fee for new programs.
Program Support and Evaluation
The PCC will offer continued support throughout the first 18 months of your start-up by assigning you a mentoring affiliate. In addition, bi-monthly conference calls with the PCC and attendance at our PCC retreats (two per year) allows for in-depth conversation and sharing of resources. Compeer Inc. staff members are always available for assistance, and they will contact you by phone for a quarterly review to respond to your particular program needs. At 18 months from having executed the service mark, programs must submit a written update.