Reentry Peer Specialist Certification
Via Hope envisions a world where quality peer support exists wherever people are experiencing and healing from trauma, mental health challenges and addiction. Therefore, we are working to bring peer support to people who are incarcerated or reentering the community after incarceration.
While the majority of individuals that have justice system involvement have some type of mental health challenge, substance use challenge, or both, there is often a shared experience of trauma.
Reentry Peer Specialist Training and Certification
Via Hope is providing a new eight-day eLearning training and certification specifically for formerly incarcerated individuals.
This curriculum was developed and co-written by Dr. Sandra D. Smith, who herself was formerly incarcerated, Darcy Kues, JD, and Maureen Nichols. Funding for the development of the Reentry Peer Specialist Training provided by the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health.
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has introduced “Start My VR” an online self-referral portal for prospective vocational rehabilitation customers, providing a convenient way for individuals with disabilities who are seeking employment to inquire about Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services and/or be connected to a VR staff member. Once the form is completed, a staff member will contact them to begin the VR process.