Celebrating Global Peer Support Celebration Day
Every year, on the third Thursday of October, we pause to celebrate our peer support specialists. Global Peer Support Celebration Day (GPSCD) is an opportunity to honor the individuals who use their own lived experiences to support others facing mental health, addiction, and trauma challenges. These specialists are the heart of the peer support movement, helping others find hope, resilience, and community.
At Pathways to Housing PA, peer support specialists are central to our mission. Their personal experiences and professional training allow them to offer guidance, empathy, and a deep level of understanding to participants. Today, we’re proud to shine a light on their invaluable work.
Peer Support in Action: Sonny’s Story
One of our peer support specialists, Sonny Gattone, joined Pathways in 2022 as a Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS) and Certified Peer Specialist (CPS). Sonny’s lived experience makes him a trusted guide for those navigating their recovery journeys. Whether it’s helping participants access treatment, reconnect with family, or celebrate personal milestones, Sonny’s ability to connect on a deeper level is a testament to the power of peer support. Read more about Sonny here.
The Backbone of Our Teams
Sonny’s story is just one example of how peer support specialists enrich our work at Pathways. Every clinical team here is supported by a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS), who works closely with case managers to assist participants in their recovery, whatever that might look like for each unique participant. These peer support specialists play an integral role in building trust and forging connections, as they understand the unique challenges our participants may face.
By sharing their lived experiences, our peer specialists provide a source of inspiration and hope that clinical teams alone may not be able to offer. They are instrumental in helping participants take those critical steps toward healing and stability while also advocating for their needs.
A Day to Reflect and Celebrate
On this Global Peer Support Celebration Day, we want to express our deepest gratitude to all of the peer support specialists at Pathways to Housing PA. Their work is transformative, not just for our participants, but for the entire organization and the communities we serve. Today, we celebrate their dedication and the impact they have in the lives of so many.
