In September 2020, we officially launched our Peer Worker Program and since its start we’ve provided four Peer Workers with regular, stable employment.
The Peer Worker Program provides those with lived experiences with an employment opportunity to help empower themselves, create a safe and inclusive environment for Drop-In Centre clients, and support their peers’ mental health and goals by building authentic relationships. It’s about peers-supporting-peers, because seeing someone like you as a role model and mentor, is a very powerful thing and brings a sense of hope.
So, how does our Peer Worker Program differ from a regular job? It’s the extra supports, on-the-job training, and mentoring we provide Peer Workers to build their confidence and set them up for success. We understand the complexities Peer Workers face, and we work with them to create a schedule that moves at their pace. When your health or housing is unstable, working can be extremely difficult. We provide Peer Workers with supports and flexibility so that they can get back on track without worrying about losing their job. For us, our focus is ehm clients’ personal growth, health, and happiness.
Eric was ehm’s first Peer Worker. He began his journey with ehm as a client, and through our services, he received a life-saving prognosis, was supported on his road to recovery, and was taught how to responsibly manage his finances. Throughout his self-growth journey, Eric continued to look for ways to give back through volunteering at ehm and now as a Peer Worker he is able to do that while earning a paycheck.
Through our Peer Worker Program, we’ve been able to give Eric, and other Peer Workers, a second chance, providing them with the resources needed to not only change their lives, but to help change the lives of others.
“Thank you for giving me, and others like me, a second chance for a brighter future.”
-Eric, ehm Peer Worker