Road to Recovery Peer Support

 

When I think of peer support, it would be impossible to not automatically think of Vail Place.  The two go hand in hand!  The very basis of what we do in the Clubhouse is based on mutual support among members, staff, and volunteers.

As a staff member, I remember my first day of work at Vail Place—I didn’t know anything.  The work duties that formed the basis of our day in the Clubhouse were a mystery to me.  Attendance tracking?  Stats?  Lunch sign-up?  I was clueless.  Thankfully, mutual support saved me. Whether it was members or staff, all I needed to do was ask and someone would take the time to show me how to do something, explain why we do it, and offer congratulations on a job well done.

At Vail Place, members are often the greatest source of resources and information.  At our afternoon meeting, a member mentioned they want to return to school, but were confused as to how to start.  Another member, a college student herself, says, “I can help.”   A member wants to vote in the primary election, but doesn’t know where his voting precinct is, or who is running in his district.  A member in the Clerical Unit says, “I can help.”  A member is worried about going to the hospital, because she has a pet and doesn’t know who will take care of it.  A member says, “I can help.”

Vail Place is a community of people working together, supporting each other, and encouraging each other.  Visit us and you will see peer support in action.