Someone Who Cares : Program Provides Friends for Those With Neurological Disorders

On a crisp Tuesday morning recently, Paul Gallant and Robert Swann set out for a quick sailing trip outside the Channel Islands Harbor.

Such trips are not common for the pair. They are usually busy fixing Gallant’s boat, doing home repairs or simply chatting over lunch.

But for Swann, 42, who sustained brain damage 15 years ago in an attack that resulted in a head injury, the work isn’t just about being Gallant’s helper. It’s vital companionship, the result of nearly a year of friendship.

Gallant, 75, met Swann through a nonprofit organization called BreakThrough NBD, also known as the compeer program. The Ventura-based organization matches people with such disorders--including schizophrenia and major depression--with a companion who provides an ear to listen and a hand to help.

The program’s charter is a simple one, said Gallant: “Give somebody a couple of hours a week to let them feel that there’s somebody out there who’s interested in them.”

Since the pair began spending time together in February, Gallant said that Swann has changed.

The Oxnard resident is now more confident. During lunches out, he goes to the counter to ask for a soda refill. It’s nothing most folks would think twice about, Gallant said. But for Swann, things are different.

Swann was injured on a San Fernando Valley street 15 years ago, said his mother, Sonna Gray. After nearly getting in a wreck, Swann found himself arguing with a motorist. As Swann turned to walk away, he was struck in the head with a hammer, Gray said. Despite surgery, he never fully recovered.

Swann, whom Gray described as being fun-loving and joyful before the injury, retreated into solitude after the attack. But the compeer program has helped bring him back.

“Since he has had Paul, I have seen some of his old self surfacing, some of the sense of humor, some of the twinkle, some of the joy,” Gray said. “It’s very encouraging.”

Swann simply enjoys working with his older friend.

“It’s something I can do to occupy my time and just stay busy and do something creative,” he said. “We get along good.”

Joyce Silver, 65, founded BreakThrough NBD last year.

The group, which is affiliated with the international Compeer Inc., has made 20 matches throughout Ventura County since its founding, and three more volunteers are being trained.

After five hours of training, volunteers meet with their new friend for at least one hour a week for social and recreational activities, Silver said.

Joyce Silver spends time with 52-year-old Linda Silver, who has been diagnosed with three neurobiological diseases: manic depression, personality disorder and schizo-affective disorder. The companions, who are not related, typically spend time together cooking or going out to eat.

Along with doctors and proper medications, Linda said Joyce has helped her heal.

Joyce said one of the best things about Linda is the way she presents herself.

“She has an additional disability with hearing loss, but she has a wonderful attitude, is persistent and fun,” Joyce said.

Friendship is one of the best medicines people suffering from neurological disorders can ask for, said Linda Silver, who called the compeer program validating.

“With a compeer, I have a chance to socialize and be accepted the way I am,” she said. “It’s nice that someone wants to spend time with me and make me feel worthwhile. It’s a pleasure in my life--a highlight.”

Linda said she looks forward to seeing Joyce each week. Linda is usually the one to suggest another activity along with their weekly dinner dates.

“Now I don’t have to do things alone,” Linda said. “I do it with a friend and can discuss the evening with someone. I’m a ham. I love attention.”

Joyce said she also looks forward to their weekly social outings.

“It’s a great thing for me, too, because we see neat things,” she said. “I’m new to Ventura County, and Linda is showing me some things in the area.”

Joyce said that founding the BreakThrough NBD organization was a natural step for her in retirement. She was a special education teacher in the San Fernando Valley for 42 years, and one of her sons suffered from a neurobiological disease.

“It’s a passion to see people with these disorders have a better quality life,” she said. “When you have friends you can survive many hardships. You can improve mental health through the power of friendship.”

Lystra is a reporter for Times Community News and Enders is a Times staff writer.

FYI

Anyone interested in volunteering for BreakThrough NBD may call the organization’s office at (805) 653-7948.