Peer Support

Peer Support involves mutual support and socialization between persons with disabilities in a barrier free environment and assists consumers to participate freely in the community.

Peer support programs and services offered through Western New York Independent Living include Independent Living Specialists; Mental Health Peer Connection; A2A, F2F; and support groups.

Independent Living Specialists (ILS)

ILS at Independent Living Centers are peers with lived experience. The peer philosophy is truly something that is unique to ILC’s and has and will continue to benefit the consumers that come into ILC’s for services.

Mental Health Peer Connection

Mental Health PEER Connection is an organization run for and by people with behavioral health disabilities, providing a person-centered approach to advocacy, peer counseling, transitional services, IL skill building, information and referral, and employment supports. MHPC fosters meaningful connections to enhance the quality of life for residents of Erie County.

A2A, F2F

Addict 2 Addict, Family 2 Family (A2A, F2F) is a Mental Health PEER Connection (MHPC) Peer-led team serving people with substance abuse disorders, and families and loved ones of people with substance use disorders.

Family Peer Support Services

Individual and Group support between People with lived experience as a family member to a person with a disability or history of drug use supporting their peers with by building a sense of hope, providing advice, teaching, and information sharing.

Support Groups

People with lived experience supporting their peers with disabilities by building self-determination and a sense of hope, providing advice, teaching, and information sharing.