The Peer mentors will help others develop their potential within a shared area of interest. The resulting relationships are a reciprocal in that everyone involved in the partnership (individual or group) have an opportunity for healing, growth and development.
Peer mentors are individuals who have extended experience within that common area along with additional training in how to assist another in acquiring skills, knowledge and attitudes to be more successful. The participants in these groups will obtain emotional assistance in coping with their needs through structured safe activities.
A Support Coordinator will recruit participants, coordinate transportation to and from activities, administer pre- and post-assessments, and gather and share feedback with all stakeholders. With this project, we want to highlight a program that focuses on Peer Counseling for individuals with spinal cord injuries.
These groups/individuals will meet once a month using discussions and therapy sessions to tackle the needs of each person to increase emotional stability and strength to further gain independence.
PLEASE EMAIL pcobler@drrcva.org or call Pam at (540) 520-8468 for more information
Mission
The SCI Peer Counselor Program and Support Group will help others develop their potential within a shared area of interest. The extended experience of peer mentors will assist others in acquiring skills, knowledge and attitudes to be more successful.
The West Piedmont SCI Peer Counseling Group is a service of the Disability Rights & Resource Center and was funded by a grant from the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation.
“Though my dad’s lifestyle had been altered considerably, his ambition was unchanged.” – Ray Neilsen