Peers Envisioning and Engaging in Recovery Services

In FY 14/15 PEERS reached over 2000 people and directly served over 1500 people through our nine culturally-rich, community-based mental health programs that honor diverse experiences and eliminate stigma and discrimination.

We also serve as fiscal sponsor and work in partnership with innovative programs, including the Special Messages Project, which trains people who have experienced hearing voices and seeing visions as peer outreach specialist who outreach to adults who respond to the phenomenon commonly defined as “psychosis” by isolating themselves from social contact.  Participating in the project provides a safe space for people to become more mindful of their experiences, make connections with their peers, access local mental health resources, and engage in community activities as means to reduce isolation.

Demographics: Of the 1500 people we work with, 50% of our participants live in Oakland, CA. 22% of participants are 16-25 years of age, 20% are 65 and older and 58% are ages 25-65. 60% of PEERS participants identify as African American/Black, 13% identify as Latino/a, 15% identify as White and 10% identify as Asian/Pacific Islander. 2% of PEERS participants identify as Native American/American Indian. 53% of PEERS participants identify as female, 47% identify as male. A few, less than 1%, identify as transgender. 3% of PEERS participants identify as LGBTQ. 98% of PEERS participants identify as low income and living in low-income communities. All of our participants identify as someone with mental health experiences and/or have a loved one who has experienced mental health challenges.

Our staff is equally diverse to mirror the people we serve and work in partnership with, as peers.  Staff breakdown by racial/ethnic group and gender: 56% African American/ Black, 22% Asian, 17% White, 5% Latino/a; 83% Female; 17% Male; 17% LGBTQ.  Over 80% of staff and board members identify as someone with mental health lived experience and/or as a loved one.