Big news! We received supplemental funding from Iowa HHS to offer a new project, which we’re calling Iowa Peer Connections (IPC). Below, we describe a few of the new activities that we will offer through the IPI.
For Peers
The IPC will provide peer-to-peer groups and continuing education (just like we have through IPWC, but now we can provide more CEUs), and many other activities. We are integrating an IPC web page into the IPWC’s website to provide a one-stop shop for training and peer connection. We just added our first activity, the Peer Support for Peer Support (PS4PS) group. Laura Semprini and Nancy Teubel of NAMI Johnson County will facilitate this group, which will meet twice a month.
For Peer Supervisor
We’re also gearing up to start a Peer Supervisor Education and Case Discussion group, which will meet at noon on the fourth Friday of the month, beginning January 2025. Peer supervisors and managers can earn up to six CEUS by attending the series. With IPWC staff, three peer supervisors, Jen Riley of Pathways, Jodie Huju of Full Circle Recovery, and Faraji Hubbard of the Guidelink Center will develop and teach the series. It will include a 15-20-minute educational topic and a 30-minute directed case discussion. The first few cases will focus on creating space to talk with supervisees about their well-being and performance and how to respond to a mental health or substance use disclosure, including discussing accommodations.
For Prospective IPI Board Members
We need guidance and assistance to complete several Iowa Connections activities. Board members will help advance IPC and support IPC staff by:
- Encouraging peer employees and volunteers to engage with IPC
- Assisting with the planning of the March 3, 2025, Mental Health Day on the Hill, which will be led by Iowa NAMI and include several state-level organizations
- Providing guidance on educational offerings and potential CEU opportunities
- Providing feedback on other IPC activities
The Board will meet once a month for one hour through June 2025. Members are expected to attend at least 80% of Board meetings. Members are not expected to assist with activities before/after Board meetings but are encouraged to do so! To be eligible for Board membership, you must be a Peer Support Specialist, Family Peer Support Specialist, Recovery Coach, peer supervisor, peer services provider, or peer advocate/ally. To apply for membership, click Iowa Peer Connections Board Application.
Look for updates on the IPC in our January 2025 IPWC newsletter. We’ll be in full swing by then!