Compeer Rochester and OASIS Adaptive Sports Have Merged
MERGER OFFERS COSTS SAVINGS AND EXPANSION OF SERVICES FOR VETERANS
February 15, 2021
Rochester, NY
Compeer Rochester is excited to announce its merger with the Honeoye-based OASIS (Outdoor Adventures for Sacrifice in Service) Adaptive Sports, Inc. This merger will allow Compeer, through its highly regarded program for Veterans, CompeerCORPS, to expand services in the region by including outdoor adventures for veterans with disabilities. All services are free of cost to qualified veterans.
“We are thrilled about what this merger means for Compeer, our volunteers, the people we serve, and our general community,” says Sara Passamonte, President and Executive Director, Compeer Rochester. “By combining our resources, we will be able to serve more veterans in need, expand our ability to serve disabled veterans, while also significantly increase our geographic footprint in New York.”
“Both Compeer and OASIS are devoted to providing veterans with compassionate services to help them transition from military life to civilian life as seamlessly as possible,” says Vito Vasiliauskas, President of OASIS. “Mental, as well as physical health and advocacy for veterans are crucial to our mutual missions. Together we can provide an increased level of meaningful experiences to help veterans obtain an improved quality of life,” he added.
Developed in 2011, CompeerCORPS employs the power of friendship to help veterans, with any discharge status, lead successful, productive lives through activities, transportation, and group mentoring. The program currently serves 150+ veterans annually in Monroe County. By joining forces with OASIS, which currently serves approximately 50 veterans annually, CompeerCORPS is able to significantly expand the programs that it offers through OASIS’s longstanding history and expertise in outdoor-themed recreational events meant to promote independence, social, and emotional well-being. Specifically, Compeer can now offer an exciting roster of adaptive activities like snowsports, sailing, archery, horsemanship, and fly fishing to a growing number of veterans.
“I am glad that CompeerCORPS has teamed up with OASIS, since I really enjoy the outdoor activities they offer,” says Stacy Lundy, USMC Veteran, and participant in both programs.
According to the Monroe County Veterans Service Agency, 22% of Veterans in New York suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder and/or major depression. Unfortunately, we expect this number to increase as additional job and pandemic-related stress compounds existing issues.
“As we are all spending many more hours than usual indoors and often isolated, this program, with its alternate focus on outdoor sports-themed activities comes at a perfect time,” adds Passamonte.
If you are interested in learning more, or joining CompeerCORPS, please visit https://www.compeerrochester.org/compeercorps.
About Compeer and CompeerCORPS: Compeer is a dynamic community-based program that uses the power of human connection to help those living with mental illness and behavioral health challenges reach their full potential. Caring volunteers and staff help individuals identify and develop strengths, reducing isolation and feelings of loneliness, and shatter the stigma around mental health. CompeerCORPS is the Veteran-run arm of Compeer connecting Veterans of all branches and service eras in group activities, recreation, and transportation services.
About OASIS: OASIS (Outdoor Adventures for Sacrifice in Service) Adaptive Sports, Inc., is a non-profit organization offering instruction, equipment, and support to disabled military veterans in a variety of sports activities. Established in 2009, its mission is to provide disabled veterans the instruction, equipment, and support to participate in outdoor recreational experiences, and thereby to help them regain their physical and mental health and aid their transition back into the mainstream of life.
Media Contact: Sara Passamonte, President/Executive Director spassamonte@compeerrochester.org