2.  Project of GMHCN › We are a project of the Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network in partnership with and funded through a contract with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities

3.  Alternative › We are a peer-run alternative/adjunct to traditional mental health services › All staff are Certified Peer Specialists › There are no clinicians and no notes are kept on participants.

4.  Intentional Peer Support › Staff are trained in Intentional Peer Support, which is a trauma informed model of peer support. › IPS is focused on building, maintaining and negotiating peer relationships.

5.  Trauma Informed › We are aware of and sensitive to the needs of people who have had trauma in their lives. › We strive to maintain a safe, comfortable environment in which healing can take place. › Everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

6.  Self Directed › Adults who come to participate at the PSWRC are self-referred, respectful, and able to care for themselves. › We encourage people to explore what gives meaning to their lives and support them in pursuing the life of their choosing. › We support people in advocating for themselves.

7.  Warm Line › We have a 24/7 Warm Line where people can call to receive peer support over the phone. › We have a partnership with the Georgia Crisis and Access Line where we can make “warm transfers” for callers who request services that are more crisis-oriented.

8.  Daily Wellness Activities › Activities are focused on wellness, not illness, and moving toward a life of our choosing. › Activities are holistic, creative, and recovery oriented. › Examples: Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP), Trauma Informed Peer Support, Art Exploration, Basic Computer Skills, Double Trouble in Recovery (DTR)

9.  Respite › We have three respite beds that a person can use for up to seven nights instead of going into a psychiatric hospital. › A Proactive Interview is done when a person is doing well and it’s used to begin to develop a relationship with peer staff before a respite stay is needed.

15.  Each room is equipped with › a Queen size bed › a nightstand with lamp and alarm clock › a dresser › a lockbox is available if needed

22.  The peer calls the center to schedule a model introduction and house tour.  A peer staff talks with the peer, explaining our model and answering questions. The peer will sign guidelines to be followed while at the center.  The peer will be invited to do a proactive interview – a conversation with peer staff to begin developing a relationship and an understanding of what kind of support a peer may need while in respite.  After the model introduction the peer is welcome to come and participate in activities.  After the proactive interview – if there are no concerns – the peer will be put on the respite waiting list and called with the next availability.