The School Peers Program is a community-based support program for adolescents attending school between the ages of 10-19 years old. Peer mentoring is an evidence-based way to create positive outcomes and build social capital among young people, including those with increased vulnerability. Working together with school counselors and psychologists, students are connected with a peer mentor as an extra touchpoint support.

Transitioning from a child to an adult is hard. Students benefit from working with a peer mentor who they can look up to as a positive role model and friend who is there to help in practical ways during important transition points in their lives. Young people involved in mentoring are likely to experience a reduction in risky behavior, better communication skills, enhanced social and emotional development, improved relationships with family and peers, increased opportunities for community involvement, increased resilience, and reduced feelings of isolation.

With the key concepts of hope, personal responsibility, education, self-advocacy, and support, we will work with each client to develop his/her own individualized treatment plan. Our peer mentors meet with clients where they are most comfortable, typically in their home or community. When needed, services are provided at our facility or through telehealth.

The key areas of focus in the School Peers Program includes:

• Resiliency/Recovery Planning

• Develop Community Supports

• Educational/Vocational Support

• Continuity of Care

• Transitional Planning