Benefits to Peer Support Services:
- Improved well-being: Peer support can help people improve their well-being, which can lead to fewer hospital stays, better self-esteem, and larger support networks.
- Reduced isolation: Peer support can help reduce social isolation and connect people with others who share similar experiences.
- Increased hope: Peer support can help people gain hope by connecting them with others who have gone through similar experiences and come out the other side stronger.
- Improved coping skills: Peer support can help people improve their skills for coping with challenges.
- Increased empowerment: Peer support can help people feel more empowered and in control.
- Better understanding of a condition: Peer support can help people gain a better understanding of a disease and their own experience with it.
- Practical feedback: Peer support can provide practical feedback about treatment options.
- Access to resources: Peer support can help people learn about health, economic, or social resources
Peer Mentors
Peer Mentors offer support and guidance from someone who understands to those we serve in all areas of life.
About Peer Mentors
At Easterseals MORC, we understand how difficult it can be to navigate the complex systems in our communities to find the services you need. Sometimes having someone who has a disability and who has been through the system to help can make things easier. This person is called a Peer Mentor.
A Peer Mentor is a person with a disability who has learned problem solving strategies, how to be a self-advocate and how to navigate systems in their community. Peer mentors don’t tell their peers how to live their lives, they instead offer the benefit of their experiences, provide encouragement, and help those they work with construct strategies to bring about the changes they want in their lives.
Ways Peer Mentors Can Help You
- Be an ally in helping you advocate for things that are important to you.
- Assist with the person-centered planning process.
- Help you navigate the system.
- Help you find resources in the community that can aid in independence.
- Offer encouragement and support through the benefit of their experience.
- Help in specialized areas such as recreational opportunities, community inclusion, transitioning into housing, education or employment, transportation, and more.
Find an IDD Peer Mentor
Below are available IDD Peer Mentors and their areas of expertise. Click on their name to read their full profile and get their contact information
Lisa Barger: housing transitions, employment, self-advocacy. View Profile
Matt Fritzen: computer skills, finding community resources, transportation. View Profile
Laura Grassi: person-centered planning, community resources. View Profile
Megian Johns: transitions, and physical activity. View Profile
Alex Kimmel: self-determination, transitions, employment. View Profile
Debbie King: Person-centered planning and self-determination. View Profile
Amie Kupovits: Person-centered planning, organization, advocacy, microbusiness support. View Profile
Janeaqua Watkins: communicating needs, social skills building, daily living coaching and community access. View Profile
To Request a Peer Mentor
You can request a Peer Mentor by asking your Support Coordinator for one prior to developing your person-centered plan.
Insurance
Most insurances are accepted. Please contact us at 1.800.75.SEALS (1.800.757.3257) to verify if we take yours.
