With the start of the second season of the controversial Netflix series “13 Reasons Why” upon us, plus the recent deaths by suicide of fashion designer Kate Spade and celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain, the topic of suicide is sadly top of mind.

Too often people who experience mental health challenges feel isolated and alone, without a community of peers or friends. WJCS’ Compeer program addresses this issue by bringing together volunteers and those challenged by mental health issues in a supportive, one-to-one friendship and mentoring relationship.