Compeer International

02/15/2026

✨We're excited to share that Compeer is featured in the new documentary "Travels With George: A Journey Through Depression, Connection, and Friendship." This powerful film highlights the story of Dan Lukasik and George Tillmon, a friendship that may have started as mentorship but grew into something much deeper.

The documentary features Compeer CEO Cheri Alvarez and founder Bunny Skirboll and is now available to watch.
View the full film at compeer.org (featured on the homepage)

Learn more about the project at buffalodepressionproject.com
We encourage you to watch and share this meaningful story about friendship, mental health, and the power of connection.

Please check video 👉🏼 https://compeer.org

02/13/2026

🎥 Local Documentary on Depression to Air on PBS

A new article from Buffalo Rising highlights an upcoming local documentary on depression that will air on PBS, bringing critical awareness to mental health in our community.

We’re encouraged to see stories like this being shared publicly. Open conversations about depression help reduce stigma, increase understanding, and remind individuals that they are not alone.

At Compeer International, we know that mental health challenges are often deeply connected to isolation and loneliness. Through friendship-based mentoring, youth programs, veteran support, and community social engagement initiatives, we work every day to build meaningful connections that strengthen emotional wellness.

Awareness creates understanding.
Connection creates healing.

We encourage our community to read the article and tune in to support this important dialogue.

🔗 Source: Buffalo Rising
https://www.buffalorising.com/2026/02/local-documentary-on-depression-to-air-on-pbs/amp/

The original documentary, Travels with George: A Journey Through Depression, Connection, & Friendship, will premiere on Buffalo Toronto PBS this Sunday, February 15, 2026, at 5:30 p.m., and again on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 10:30 p.m. The 18-minute film follows Dan Lukasik, a local attorney, an...

02/12/2026

Compeer International proudly honors Black History Month.

We celebrate the legacy, leadership, resilience, and lasting impact of Black individuals who continue to shape our communities, advance equity, and strengthen the fabric of our society.

At Compeer, we understand that mental health, belonging, and social connection are deeply connected to representation, opportunity, and access. Black History Month is not only a time of reflection, it is a reminder of the ongoing work to build communities where every individual feels seen, valued, and supported.

Through friendship, mentorship, and human connection, we remain committed to reducing isolation and promoting mental wellness across all communities.

Let us continue to listen, learn, uplift, and lead — together.

02/11/2026

We are still feeling inspired from the National Mentoring Summit by MENTOR
On Friday, we presented on centering and elevating youth voice through Ripple Effect Mapping, because young people deserve to be at the heart of evaluating the programs built for them.

In attendance to the conference was Ashleigh Cieri, Director of Programs, Kendra Elliott, Director of Compeer International, and Caroline Taggart, Senior Project Director at Via Evaluation

02/11/2026

It was an incredible event! MENTOR

We had an incredible time representing Compeer at the National Mentoring Summit by MENTOR!💙

On Friday, our team presented on how we center and elevate youth voice in the evaluation process using Ripple Effect Mapping, way to ensure young people are not just participants, but leaders in shaping the programs that support them.

We were honored to have Director of Programs Ashleigh Cieri in attendance, along with Kendra Elliott, Director of Compeer International, and Caroline Taggart, Senior Project Director at Via Evaluation .

Grateful to be part of such an inspiring national conversation on mentoring, impact, and youth leadership!

02/11/2026

We're excited to share that Compeer is featured in the new documentary "Travels With George: A Journey Through Depression, Connection, and Friendship." This powerful film highlights the story of Dan Lukasik and George Tillmon, a friendship that may have started as mentorship but grew into something much deeper.
Their relationship reflects the heart of Compeer's mission.
2/3
The documentary features Compeer CEO Cheri Alvarez and founder Bunny Skirboll and is now available to watch.
View the full film at compeer.org (featured on the homepage)
Learn more about the project at buffalodepressionproject.com
We encourage you to watch and share this meaningful story about friendship, mental health, and the power of connection.

Please check video 👉🏼 https://compeer.org

02/03/2026

This February, Compeer proudly honors Black History Month. We celebrate the legacy, leadership, and ongoing contributions of Black individuals whose voices, resilience, and service continue to shape our communities and inspire connection.

01/24/2026

📣 Spotlight on Community Care! 🌟

We’re excited to share this wonderful article from Rome Sentinel highlighting the important work of the Compeer program and the role of community educators in building stronger, healthier communities. 💙

Compeer’s mission—to create meaningful friendships that support mental wellness and reduce isolation—is truly life-changing. 🙌

Read the full article here 👉 https://www.romesentinel.com/entertainment-life/charity-and-non-profit/cflr-shines-spotlight-on-community-educator-compeer-program/article_63853b42-c792-43ab-8a46-9c3e2bf0d6a6.html

Thank you to everyone who supports our Compeer community! 🫶



UTICA — The Center for Family Life and Recovery (CFLR) is reaffirming its ongoing commitment to improving community health and well-being through the work of its Compeer program.

01/06/2026

01/06/2026

We were honored to be part of Kathy Hochul State of the State announcement on Protecting Our Kids Online, where our Compeer client Shawntrice spoke powerfully about the importance of youth mental well-being and our CEO Cheri Alvarez joined leaders pushing for change.

We’re especially excited that Teen Mental Health First Aid will now be available to all 10th graders in New York State, giving hundreds of thousands of teens the skills to support themselves and their peers. This is a huge step forward for peer-to-peer support and mental health education.

Read More Here: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/protecting-our-kids-governor-hochul-announces-nation-leading-proposals-protect-kids-online?fbclid=IwdGRleAPJq-hleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEesITjvXeLRksZgu9xEUr70ZE_EmdTQc9b9HCT4la6KRYrdDt51xgxv25Y6GY_aem_9fNTJTT5b_B2h8LQ2ZqhRw

01/01/2026

Happy New Year 🎆

12/21/2025

✨Compeer Holiday Lunch ✨This time together is about connection, joy, and gratitude for the incredible people who make our mission possible.