Atlanta Chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success partnership with Genesis' Metro Atlanta Vet Corps

Mercer’s Atlanta Chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), Genesis’ Metro Atlanta Vet Corps and the Atlanta Victim Assistance Program are collaborating to host a workshop on Thursday, Nov. 19th to increase awareness about the strengths of certified peer specialists (CPS). The Georgia Certified Peer Specialist Project (CPS) is an initiative of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) in partnership with the Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network (GMHCN).

Certified Peer Specialists bring strengths-based recovery and the concept of peer support to student physicians, psychologists and psychiatrists within the Georgia mental health and recovery sector. CPS’s statewide are supporting peers who are currently transitioning from long-term hospitalization into the community under Olmstead. A CPS in partnership with clinical providers, in a traditional system, created The Peer Support Specialist Program of the Veteran’s Administration in Augusta. The project has now expanded nationwide. The presence of CPSs in the lives of Georgia’s peers is a powerful statement of belief in the reality of recovery and the power of peer support to aid in recovery.

The workshop will be facilitated by Samuel Rapier, CPS and Mariam Abdul-Azid) Training Coordinators. The audience will hear perspectives from the State of Georgia, Certified Peer Specialist and the Department of Veteran Affairs on the benefits of the training. The two hour workshop will cover the following: 1) what is a peer support specialist and peer support apprentice; 2) how can they help those experiencing mental health challenges navigate their way through the reality of recovery; and 3) how do I build support for peer specialists and integrate them into my team.

Mercer Students who are veterans as well as veterans in the community and their family members are welcome to attend. Penny Rolle, president of NSLS, said that this event is not only one of the pillars for NSLS, but also strengthens Mercer University as an organization that supports Veterans. The event, which is to be held in Room 280 of the Atlanta Administration and Conference Center, 2930 Flowers Road S., Atlanta, GA from 10:00 am – Noon. This event is free to the public. There is no fee for service providing organizations to participate. For more information, please contact, Justine Kingsley at (404) 588-4740 or jkingsley.specialprojects@gmail.com Light refreshments will be served.

About The National Society of Leadership and Success

The Mercer Atlanta Chapter of NSLS was established in 2012. The Society is founded upon the core beliefs that dreams are achievable with the appropriate support and dedicated action, and that members accomplish more together than they would achieve alone. The organization strives to help people discover and achieve their goals. The Society offers life-changing lectures from the nation’s leading presenters and a community where like-minded, success-oriented individuals come together and help one another succeed. The Society also serves as a powerful force of good in the greater community by encouraging and organizing action to better the world.

About Genesis Prevention Coalition

Genesis Prevention Coalition (GPC) was established in 1984. GPC’s mission is to advance policy and practice to achieve optimal health and well-being for people, community and planet. Through its VetCorps Metro Atlanta Project, GPC provides technical assistance, specialized training and capacity building support to veteran service organizations. Through resource centers operating in Fulton, Fayetteville, Clayton and Spalding counties, GPC and it partners are serving close to 4,000 veterans and their families a year.

About Atlanta Victim Assistance Program

AVA is a nonprofit organization. AVA’s mission is to provide support, prevent violence and promote justice for victims of crime and abuse, their families and communities. Since its inception in 1984, AVA has been making significant contributions to the health, economic, social and cultural well-being of Atlanta, Georgia. AVA absorbs the trauma of our city by providing comprehensive services that help victims overcome crisis and become survivors as they restore their lives.