What Do We Do?
Connect and empower Peer Support Specialists in Iowa and foster a strong, skilled workforce.
Monthly Meetings
No one understands Peer Support better than other Peer Support Specialists! Join our online meetings and workshops to meet other Peer Support Specialists, talk about issues relevant to your work, and support each other.
Support Groups
No one understands Peer Support better than other Peer Support Specialists! Join this support group to check in and hear what others are doing for their own self-care and wellness. Meet 1st and 3rd Wednesdays.
Conferences
Peer Support Summit. Join us for education, connection, and engagement with other Peer Support Specialists, Family Peer Support Specialists, and Recovery Coaches across the state of Iowa.
Publications
Publications are a collection of curated content by people in Iowa who have been working in the peer support field for years and by those who are just starting in their careers.
Consultations
Free consultations with an experienced professional in the field of peer support. Need to troubleshoot an issue? Would you like help on your resume or preparing for an interview? It is our goal to support your success in your career.
Message Board
Connect with others across Iowa in the field of Peer Support! Using a message board to discuss successes and concerns in your field.
Questions about Iowa Peer Network
The Most Common Questions
What is it?
Peer Support
Peer Support Specialists are people who have experienced mental health challenges and have grown through them, who now help others experiencing similar situations. There are different kinds of Peer Support:
- Family Peer Support for people who care for a family member with mental health challenges
- Recovery Peer Support for people who have experienced substance abuse. Through shared understanding, respect, and mutual empowerment
- Peer Support Specialists help people become and stay engaged in the healing process. Healing and growth happen through connection and shared humanity, and that is the message Peer Support Specialists share.
Blog
Curated Publications
Publications are a collection of curated content made by all the people in Iowa who have been working in the peer support field for years and by those who are just starting in their careers.
What is it like to do Peer Support as a career? We interviewed Ed Murphy, Courtney Hammond, and Sandy McFarland about the value of peer support.
Appreciation Spotlight: Jolene Switzer My name is Jolene and I have been a Peer Recovery Coach at Pathways Behavioral Services for a little over a year. I started working in this field because when I was struggling I could have used someone like me. Someone who understood the road I was on, someone to have honest conversations with, someone in…
Can you just imagine how awesome it would be for everyone to have a peer support? I do what I do because I know I’m not the only one who feels like this.
Appreciation Spotlight: Kris Graves What I enjoy most is when people tell me how much I’ve helped them. I also love that helping others helps me in my struggles. I work 3rd shift on the Iowa Warm line. One thing I’ve learned as a PSS is reminding myself silence is okay, not every second needs to be filled with talking. Sometimes,…
Peer support can be one of the best choices for a future career while living in recovery. It’s important to know how the environment we work in impacts the work we do.
Help us appreciate Tammy Carroll, Family and Peer Support Specialist with Plains Area Mental Health, Inc.