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Peer Mentoring
What is a Peer Mentor?
Peer Mentors are individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD). Peer mentors have unique skills gained from their lived experiences. They encourage and support other individuals to construct their own advocacy journeys.
A Peer Mentor offers firsthand experiences using community mental health services and resources available to people with I/DD. Peer Mentors help guide individuals towards greater self-advocacy, empowerment, and personal responsibility for their success.
Peer Mentoring Explained
This video was created to help explain the peer mentoring experience. The video explores the following questions:
- What is a peer mentor?
- What services do peer mentors provide?
- What does it mean to you to be a peer mentor?
In cooperation with its provider networks and partners, this video was made possible with funding from the Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority.
Peer Mentor Program
Peer Mentor 101 Workshop
MiDDC provides an annual Peer Mentor 101 Workshop. The workshop's purpose is to help people with I/DD become effective peer mentors to others with developmental disabilities, so they lead self-directed and satisfying lives.
The Peer Mentor 101 Workshop provides Peer Mentors with tools to guide their fellow peers to:
- Become better self-advocates.
- Make their own life choices.
- Develop leadership skills.
Working as a Peer Mentor
Once an individual completes their training, their next step is to complete an internship supervised by staff at a Community Mental Health Service Provider (CMHSP).
Upon successful completion of the internship, the Peer Mentor will be recommended for certification by MiDDC. Certified peers are eligible for employment at a CMHSP.
Michigan Peer Conference
Each year, MiDDC works with our partners to host an annual Michigan Peer Conference. Details regarding the Michigan Peer Conference will be located in MiDDC's Calendar of Events as soon as they become available. For more information, please visit www.michigan.gov/middcevents.
Questions? Contact us:
If you have any questions or concerns related to Peer Mentoring, please reach out by calling or emailing:
Tracy Vincent
Resource Analyst
235 S Grand Ave
PO Box 30037, Suite 218
Lansing, MI 48933
Phone: 517.284.7296
vincentt1@michigan.gov