Guest Post - Mia Veroy, Program Coordinator

Today's guest post is from Mia Veroy, Program Coordinator at both the RAMS Hire-Ability Vocational Services Employee Development Program as well as the new Peer Specialist Mental Health Certificate program being offered by RAMS and San Francisco State University. Starting on September 14, the Certificate Program's goal is "to prepare consumers and/or family members with the basic skills & knowledge for entry-level employment in the behavioral health system of care and with academic/career planning that supports success in institutions of higher learning".

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It’s finally here…. good things do come to those who wait, or those who pursue and don’t give up on their dreams and passions!

After months of deliberation, preparation and anticipation, RAMS is proud to unveil the Peer Specialist Mental Health Certificate Course. Funded by the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA), this groundbreaking 12-week basic counseling program offers participants a targeted and thorough curriculum prepared by collaborators RAMS and San Francisco State University’s Department of Counseling.

In the months leading up to the first class, we received an overwhelming response and support not only from the San Francisco community, but from neighboring counties as well. Various community and business organizations have shown their support and enthusiasm for the program through a variety of ways: Philippine International Aid has generously donated scholarships to students and Straits Restaurant and Metromint have contributed food & beverages. The interest generated during the program’s promotions validates the great need and high demand for peer support in the community. One consumer aptly summarized peer support by saying, “this is the wave of the future”. It has been long coming, but the future is here.

Over 80 applications were received and the Admissions Committee faced the challenging task of selecting individuals for the 20 slots available. In an effort to stay true to the mission, the program is proud to report that there is a diverse group of students from various cultural backgrounds and experiences who represent the wide demographic of San Francisco’s population.

Six sessions into the program, we are awed by the level of enthusiasm, engagement, and commitment of everyone in class. In such a short time, we have witnessed friendships developed, support provided, and cultures shared. We have our work cut out for us and have a long way to go, but if the past few weeks, in any way, reflects the overall direction and future, it most certainly looks very bright!

- Mia

For a link to our webpage, click HERE

Photo credit: Jeezny on Flickr