Education

Peer-Class

Our Award-Winning Peer Mentoring Program

Our Peer Mentor Employment and Training Program offers individuals a unique approach to employment training.

In 2016 House of Hope CDC’s Peer Mentoring Program was awarded The Rhode Island Foundation Nonprofit Excellence 2016 Best Practice Award for Volunteer Engagement.

Peer-Mentor-Graduating-Class

Approachable and Accessible

Our current training program consists of 112 classroom hours over seven weeks, followed by an internship designed to offer program graduates an opportunity to practice their skills in a real-world setting.

We offer a stimulating curriculum that is both approachable and accessible to all walks of life. Crafted by experts with a wide range of first-hand experience and educational backgrounds.

We offer one of the most inclusive, comprehensive programs in the state of Rhode Island, maintaining a core focus on issues specific to homelessness.

Peer Mentor Outcomes Since Inception

15

Classes

114

total participants

101

graduates

40

achieved employment

PEER

Our Unique Approach

Our program offers a unique approach to training, focusing on providing education and skills necessary for students to succeed in Peer-Based Recovery Support.

 

The curriculum was designed by our staff from the ground up. With the intention of helping graduates obtain a certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) credential, offered through the Rhode Island Certification Board (RICB).

 

We also work with clients to obtain employment positions within House of Hope CDC and other recovery-oriented agencies.

Peer-1

A Path to Success

Following classroom training, program graduates may be selected for six-week internships. During this period, individuals will have the opportunity to apply new skills, receive direct supervision, work with other service providers, and the community itself.

 

Internship selection is based on an individual’s competency in the classroom, study materials, and their desire for ongoing employment in related fields.

 

It is important to us to work with students one-on-one, placing them in a position related to their interests or career goals.

Our Current Curriculum

Educational Components

  • Advocacy Issues
  • CPR
  • Narcan Administration
  • Recovery Topics
  • CPI Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training
  • LGBTQ Cultural Competency
  • Screening, Assessment, and Documentation
  • Mental Health First Aid
  • Sex/Human Trafficking
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Outreach 101
  • Securing Permanent Housing
  • Housing Eligibility, Referrals, and Resources
  • Group dynamics

Foundations of The Helping Professions

  • Part 1 (Boundaries; confidentiality; dual relationships; Duty to Report)
  • Part 2 (Person-Centered Interventions; Balancing Rights and Responsibility; Emphasizing Choice; Solution-Focused Responses)
  • Part 3 (Strength-based Perspective; Trauma-Informed Care; Harm Reduction; Housing First Model)

We’re Here To Help