The Importance of Peer Support
Imagine Art started an exciting new peer support program when fellow peers help each other in different aspect in their lives.
The major topics most commonly discussed are housing, personal-care attendants, and money management. Also, over the past year there has been strong comradery developing among group members. As a result, Artists now have access to person centered planning, peer support meetings and 1:1 coaching in self-advocacy.
Our Peer Support groups are run by peers for peers, creating a comfortable space to share about thoughts, feelings, frustrations, successes, and what each peer wants for their lives. Our peer support team is located at our Evergreen Studio, 1701 Evergreen Ave., Austin, TX 78704.
Here are some reactions to our Support Group from the peers themselves:
David Chapple
When I am in a peer group I can relieve my frustrations, as well as share my accomplishments. Sometimes, I just like to share something I am doing like going to the Bruce Springsteen concert or an upcoming trip. I also like to hear what my fellow peers are up to and help them with problems they might have.
John Molina
I think peer support is important to me because I have somebody to talk with and share ideas with each other. By talking to my peers, I get ideas for my artwork, and I can also give my fellow peers great ideas to them as well. Peer support has allowed me to help others with specific personal needs that build relationships and great friendships.
Erin Orcutt
I think peer support is important because it allows a sense of community where we can help each other. Peers help me to learn valuable information to better my own life and in turn I have knowledge myself to help peers and clients. I have been able to share my feelings through open share and use the information I received to help me with housing and attendants.
Sheena Walter
Peer support is important because it helps community to build a support system for mutual help and a safe space for sharing. As a result, I have been able to get on with things in my life and give support to others. This is why I try to be there for my peers when they need it.
Shon Parker
Through peer support, I was able to have a job for a while, helping my fellow peers. Right now my peers help me with my artwork by giving me ideas of what to draw and give me suggestions about how to improve my drawing technique. This helps me sell more of my art and make even more money.
Patricia Simpson
Through peer support I get to share my feelings, and we are supportive of each other. We can come up with ideas to help with problems that can come up in our lives. I like how people encourage me and keep me going. I have gotten many ideas for my jewelry making from my peers.
