Via Hope

Registration is open for "Healing Centered De-Escalation Training" on Wednesday, February 19th at 9am - 12:15pm CST. viahope.org/event/healing-centered-de-escalation-4

This virtual training is designed to enhance understanding of what someone may be experiencing (both physiologically and emotionally) during escalation. Participants will explore several techniques and tools to support escalated individuals in the process of coming back to self. This training is open to anyone who would like to use a peer/healing-centered approach to support people in the de-escalation process.

⭐ 3 CEUs provided for MHPS, RSPS, RPS, CFP
✅ Registration fee: $60
📆 Deadline to register: February 10th at 5pm CST

Via Hope is pleased to announce that we are now accepting manuscript submissions for our groundbreaking research project, "Transformative Potential: Mental Health Impact of Reentry Peer Support for Underrepresented Communities."

💡 Background 💡
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the challenges faced by individuals from underrepresented communities during the process of reintegration into society after incarceration. The relationship between reintegration into society for individuals from underrepresented communities and mental illness is multifaceted, shaped by systemic inequalities, societal stigmas, and individual challenges. These communities often encounter systemic barriers that hinder their successful transition and perpetuate cycles of incarceration. However, research and practice have shown that peer support programs can play a transformative role in addressing these challenges and promoting positive outcomes for individuals reentering society. This Research Topic seeks to explore the transformative potential of reentry peer support specifically tailored to underrepresented communities.

💡 To learn more about this Research Topic, visit: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/67867/transformative-potential-mental-health-impact-of-reentry-peer-support-for-underrepresented-communities

💡 If you're interested in submitting a manuscript, click here to provide your contact information and we'll reach out to you as soon as possible: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfYpLmMzqxGHoKpxDj5uIdoZnH3h7kOWJNJkLjwWeWnz27vKw/viewform

We've extended the deadline to apply for this month's Mental Health Peer Specialist (MHPS) Training! Apply by Wednesday, December 4th at 5pm CST.

This five-day, 40-hour virtual training is designed to provide individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to become certified as a Mental Health Peer Support Specialist in Texas. It was developed for individuals who have lived experience of mental health challenges, and who wish to to use their experience to positively impact individuals, communities, and systems.

✅ Prerequisites: Core Training must be completed before MHPS
✅ Cost: $650
⭐️ Apply online: viahope.org/event/mental-health-peer-specialist-training-4

This month, we hosted a gathering in New Braunfels for peer specialists, library staff and community partners involved in the Libraries for Health (L4H) initiative. This event included guest speakers and workshops dedicated to crucial topics such as capacity building, grant writing and program planning in a public library context.

Through the L4H Initiative, peer support specialists are placed in public libraries where they can offer support to communities that might otherwise have limited access to mental health services. Learn more: https://www.viahope.org/programs/libraries-for-health

We believe in the power of building the capacity of organizations to engage community members to foster healthier communities. And through our Libraries for Health pilot project, we have partnered closely with Central Texas-based libraries to reimagine libraries as hubs for health.

Recently, Senior Program Officer Abena Asante joined Via Hope and RAND Corporation at the Libraries for Health end-of-year gathering in New Braunfels, Texas.

Leaders from libraries across Central Texas came together to discuss how they are strengthening and sustaining the mental health and well-being of their communities by providing access to Peer Support Specialists and other vital social support resources.

St. David’s Foundation is proud to support the Libraries for Health initiative working to expand mental health resources and services in underserved communities.

Applications are open for the Mental Health Peer Specialist (MHPS) Certification Training on December 16th - 20th. Apply online by Monday, December 2nd: viahope.org/events

This five-day virtual training is designed to provide individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to become certified as a MHPS in Texas. It was developed for individuals who have lived experience with mental health challenges, and who wish to use their experience to positively impact individuals, communities, and systems.

❗ Core Training must be completed before MHPS
✅ Application fee: $650

This training is followed by a knowledge assessment. Once passed, participants can apply for initial certification with the Texas Certification Board. Learn more: viahope.org.