Pacific Clinics Recovery Education Institute’s (REI) 3rd Annual Peer Workforce Training event united more than 75 individuals with a shared commitment to healing through lived experience. Funded by the Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA) through the Mental Health Services Act and hosted by REI as part of our ongoing investment in workforce development, the event offered free, peer-centered training and support for new and experienced professionals.
Attendees took part in a dynamic day of learning designed to prepare them for meaningful careers in the peer and behavioral health workforce. Through engaging workshops, students explored the wide range of peer roles available, from youth and family peer support to roles in clinical settings, while discovering how to align these pathways with their personal and professional goals.
Diversity and inclusion were central to the event’s focus. Participants attended specialized training on multi-cultural mental health and military-connected families, underscoring the importance of cultural responsiveness in peer services. A highlight of the day was the OCHCA Peer Workforce Panel, where current peer employees shared their powerful journeys of recovery and how they’ve built sustainable, fulfilling careers supporting others.
Certified peer support specialists also earned two hours of continuing education credit toward certification renewal, reinforcing the event’s commitment to ongoing professional development.
To conclude the day, participants gathered to celebrate the graduation of our latest peer support training cohort. The heartfelt ceremony honored each graduate’s courage, dedication and growth as they took the next step in their peer support journey. Their achievement served as a reminder to everyone in attendance why this work matters.
More than just training, the event fostered connection, confidence and a renewed sense of purpose. It reflected the power of a workforce rooted in empathy, experience and a deep commitment to helping others heal.
“As the peer movement grows, we’re proud to support and elevate the voices leading the way,” said Frankie Nelson, assistant education director.
Interested in learning more about or becoming a certified peer support specialist? Click here to visit the website, connect with the team and explore upcoming training opportunities.
