Rainbow Peer Professional

Rainbow Peer Professional:

Illuminating Hope for the LGBTQIA+ Community.

The Rainbow Peer Professional training is part of a two-phase grant from Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). In phase one of the grant, individuals created the three-day Rainbow Peer Professional training. This unique training allows Peer Professionals to learn about the strengths and struggles of the LGBTQIA+ community and how to provide appropriate support within that community. Some topics that will be covered during this interactive training include The Coming Out Process, Transitioning both medically and socially, and Roles of the peer professional, ally, and family. This three-day training will leave a lasting impact on the Peer Professional as they address stigmas, traumas, and discrimination faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals. In the second phase of this project, PMHCA will provide statewide tele-health peer-to-peer services to LGBTQIA+ individuals. This service will allow Peer Professionals to fill gaps and build bridges to gender affirming services/resources in their community. 

Learning Objectives:

• Identify and advocate for the needs of individuals in the LGBTQIA+ Community.​
• Develop an understanding of LGBTQIA+ Culture and Community
• Assist an LGBTQIA+ individual in developing their identity and sense of self
• Support an LGBTQIA+ individual in their recovery through creation of personal recovery goals
• Use personal lived experience as an example of resiliency and that recovery is possible

Time: 3-Day Training

Number of People: 20

• Rainbow Peer Professional training will be held in Shamokin, PA on April 9th, 2025 to April 11th, 2025 from 9 am to 4 pm daily. This class is free due to a SAMHSA grant; however, individuals will be responsible for their own food, lodging, and transportation. There is an application process for this class. To complete the application, apply here!  Applications will close on the March 16th, 2025 and individuals will be notified of acceptance on or after March 17th, 2025.