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Social Connection

Social Connection

Mental Health Association in Orange County offers programs that help children and adults build relationships, practice social skills, increase confidence, and reduce isolation through friendship, group activities, peer support, and community experiences.

Each program serves a different audience and has its own eligibility and referral requirements.

  • Compeer Compeer helps adults recovering from mental illness build friendships and reduce isolation. Services may include one-to-one friendship matches, regular phone or text contact, community activities, and specialized support for individuals experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. A mental health diagnosis and a psychosocial evaluation completed within the past five years are required. Learn About Compeer.
  • Friends Friends is a social skills group for youth in grades 3 through 12 who have social, behavioral, or emotional challenges. Participants practice communication, cooperation, conflict resolution, and other social skills while building meaningful friendships. A diagnosis or medical documentation is not required. Learn About Friends.
  • Hudson House Hudson House provides socialization, recreation, life-skills education, peer support, community activities, and daily meals for adults with a psychiatric disability. A mental health diagnosis and a psychosocial evaluation completed within the past five years are required. Transportation is available in the Newburgh and New Windsor area. Learn About Hudson House.
  • Social Club Social Club provides recreational activities, community outings, peer support, wellness education, and opportunities to build friendships for adults age 18 and older with a mental health diagnosis. Transportation is available for participants living in the Middletown area. A mental health diagnosis and a psychosocial evaluation completed within the past five years are required. Learn About Social Club.

Not Sure Which Program Is Right for You?

Call 845-342-2400 for help understanding available programs and referral requirements, or visit our Make a Referral page.

Need Support Now?

Facing something big or small? Call 311 within Orange County or 1-800-832-1200 anytime. For suicidal thoughts or emotional distress, call 988.

Our Impact 2025

  • Services Provided in our Community

    102,600+

  • Meals Served to Participants

    8,500+

  • Crisis Contacts

    65,000+

  • Sexual Assault Survivors Supported

    200+

© 2026 Mental Health Association in Orange County Inc.

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