Compeer, mayor celebrate friendship at annual picnic

Denise Ayres, Compeer Program Coordinator, Mayor Dennis Clough, Jody Bell, Compeer Peer Suppot Specialist, Michele Hasan
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The Compeer Program at Far West Center held its 2011 Annual Picnic on Friday, August 26, at Bradley Woods in Westlake.  Members, volunteers and friends joined in on sharing great food, the peaceful park setting, and cheerful conversation.  Westlake Mayor Dennis Clough, a longtime supporter of Compeer and Far West Center, attended this annual event. 

Compeer members and volunteers that have been in our program for years were happy to get an opportunity to talk with Mayor Clough about Westlake’s Bicentennial and the city’s growth. Longtime members and volunteers also got an opportunity to reunite with Michele Hasan, prior Compeer Coordinator, who also attended. Michele left Far West Center in 2008 and began working for Westlake City Hall.

The newer Compeer members and volunteers were delighted that they could meet Mayor Clough. The mayor introduced himself to individuals and listened to stories of personal recovery from mental illness and isolation. Members asked Mayor Clough to address the group and he extended a warm “thank you” to all for his invitation. Mayor Clough also gave a heartfelt “thank you” to all for working and volunteering in order to make recovery from mental illness a reality.

The Compeer 2011 Annual Picnic was a group effort that encouraged members to join in the planning and direction of the event. Compeer at Far West Center, winner NAMI Greater Cleveland's “Peer Support Program of the Year" award for 2010, encourages members to voluntarily share their skills and work together. 

We owe our gratitude to this year’s Picnic Committee for giving Compeer a relaxed, cheerful and fun summertime event!  This giving group only wanted recognition by seeing the smiles on every guest’s face. As you can well imagine, smiles are quite valuable to a recovery program!

In addition to great people, there was great food at our picnic. Grill Master Bill, with assistance from Grill Master Doug, made delicious chicken, burgers, and hot dogs. We had garden salsa from Shari and Jackie made from veggies freshly picked that day! John’s broken arm did not stop him from making his specialty Deviled Eggs. Alexis’ crock of baked beans was totally emptied. Many more folks brought a variety of goodies. 

Our Annual Picnic is a celebration of courage and personal triumph over illness. Also, each year it celebrates the healing power that friendship can provide to a person’s life. 

If you know an adult in recovery from mental illness that could benefit from Compeer, tell him or her to call us at 440-835-6212, ext. 242. If you are interested in extending friendship and becoming a Compeer volunteer please call our office at the same number.