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Hands Up

Peer Support

Here at COSC, we focus on building a solid foundation for individual's emotional well-being and empower those in the community.  We have Peer Support Specialists who assist with basic needs of a client emphasizing on long-term trust building to continue to serve them. Services provided are peer-to-peer support through lived experiences to develop plans for relationship restoration, guidance in housing stability, workforce re-entry within a career pathway, self-sufficiency, rental and eviction assistance, receive a support system member for emergencies is provided, and resources of referral services.

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Our Philosophy

Crawl

Transition to reintegration into society and move forward.

Walk

Long-term trust building for client support through life.

Run

Financial and career pathway empowerment.

Fly

Reacclimation in society and ambassadors within the community.

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01

Crawl

At this stage, individuals transitioning from incarceration or addiction recovery begin by receiving community orientation, counseling, and guidance on setting goals for their future. Resources provided are but not limited to client and case management relationship, life skills development, and mentorship.

02

Walk

​This stage supports clients who have established transitional or permanent housing, setting goals, employment security, and receive financial literacy education with additional life skills training. Resources provided are but not limited to exploration of family reunification, obstacle and barrier identification, adjusting to new environment and society, self-sufficiency, and achieving goals.

Walking
Running Shoes

03

Run

Clients in the run stage are actively managing their finances with checking and savings accounts, purchasing vehicles, progressing toward independent housing, and pursuing career or business goals. Resources provided would be but not limited to housing establishment, employment, community and support groups, less dependency on case manager, monthly meetings with case manager, and family unification.

04

Fly

In the Fly stage, clients are off parole, living independently, reconnecting with family, and giving back to their community as ambassadors or peer mentors. Services provided but not limited to are family connection building, starting a business, support group continuation, financial independency, accomplished short-term goals while setting long-term goals, and home ownership.

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Peer Support Training

A training initiative aimed to increase the number of skilled peer support professionals in underserved and underrepresented communities. This program equips participants with the knowledge and tools to support individuals experiencing co-occurring disabilities, such as mental health and substance use challenges. Apprentices receive hands-on training, mentorship, and support towards certification path to provide empathetic, hopeful, and relatable care to those they serve. By focusing on advocating and empowering individuals with lived experiences, the program builds a diverse workforce, reflecting the unique needs of the communities they support. ​ If you are an individual passionate about supporting others through lived experience, this is the program for you! The program offers multiple opportunity pathways, including hands-on peer support experience, mentorship, skill development, and preparation for certification and employment in peer support roles. Interested applicants can apply through our online application. Eligible candidates will be invited to schedule an interview to discuss availability.

Peer Support Opportunities

Outreach

Street Outreach:

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  • Trust building and relationship-based engagement

  • Immediate resource navigation provision and referrals

  • Crisis support

  • Trauma-informed care

  • Housing advocacy

Career Workforce

Those pursuing peer support roles:

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  • Peer role overview preparation​

  • Lived-experience integration

  • Advocacy development

  • Ethics and boundary training​

  • Mentoring/Education 

  • Recovery and ​Wellness support

  • 500 volunteer hours

  • ​Workforce placement support

Professional Development

Job seekers to gain support with:

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  • Resume building and/or update​

  • Cover letter 

  • Interview preparation​

  • ​Job application search 

  • Application submission support

  • Career pathway navigation​

  • Goal-setting

Our Clients Say

Our clients are not data we track, but family for life.  COSC approaches everyone with the philosophy that "You are family, you just don't know it yet." COSC recognizes the impact of poverty on mental health and has developed a peer support network to support mental and financial health to improve outcomes for our underserved community.

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"I can sit here today and express my gratitude and my thankfulness."

Richard C., Charity's House Apartments 

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