Youth Peer Support
Our Peer program is peer-led. More than 75% of the Board of Directors or Youth Advisory Board self-identify as people in personal recovery from their own substance use disorders using the Psychosocial Rehabilitation Model
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Empowered: Autonomy to set their own goals
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Hopeful: About the future
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Skilled: Life, work, social & other skills
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Supported: Through relationship building and social connections
Goals of Psychosocial Rehabilitation
Psychosocial Rehabilitation Principles
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All people have potential that can be developed
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People have a right to self-determination
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The emphasis is on the individual’s strengths rather than their symptoms
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Each person’s needs are different
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Professional services are committed and take place in as normalized an environment as possible
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There is a focus on a social model of care (as opposed to medical model)
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It is centered on the present rather than fixated on the past.
Psychosocial Rehabilitation
“Promotes recovery, full community integration and improved quality of life for persons who have been diagnosed with any mental health condition that seriously impairs their ability to lead meaningful lives. PSR services are collaborative, person directed and individualized.”
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Support quality, safe, and affordable housing in a variety of types, sizes, locations, and costs to meet the needs of current and future young adults regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected characteristics.
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Provide lasting adult life skills that promote personal development, effective communication, goal setting, time management, career and employability, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that are essential for personal and professional development.
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Empower young adults to lead fulfilling lives, making positive contributions to society, and navigate the complexities of the modern world with confidence and competence.
Objectives
When a Peer (18-25yrs) request our support, below are some things they will encounter.
• 1-on-1 peer support • Support groups • Social outings • Meals • Employment programs • Learning opportunities • Health and exercise programs • Creative arts • Resources • Advocacy • Volunteer opportunities • Youth and young-adult programs • Meeting new people • Personal development • Empowerment • Extended hours and/or weekends
Mentor Shout Out!
We want to give a huge shout out to a team member who has gone far beyond her call to support Our Ark and the youth we serve. She is currently mentoring three youth in life processes. She and her wife have driven multiple time to arrange the care for Dean to get the correct medical attention they needed at the Children’s Hospital in Seattle. She opened her home, to multiple kid so they were able to wash their clothes, sleep, and gain a bank account and so much more. It sometimes was challenging, but she managed through adversity. We are a team and cannot begin to say how much we appreciate her and her endeavors of loyalty, sacrifices she has made for us.
"I knew in my heart mentoring and showing compassionate support for our youth is what I was created to do."
THANK YOU TO MELISSA ENGER. WE LOVE YOU!!

What Youth Say About Mentorship
