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I had been working at Serenity Steps since it opened, in July of 2003. I started as a floor staff, and have worked my way up to Team Leader. Peer support has become important to my life, it has saved my life. Being involved with peer support has taught me about moving forward, the importance of setting and reaching goals, and the difference between being stable and having a life. I used to be in the hospital a lot, but I have been able to avoid a major crisis for over three years now. I am not cured, I will always have a mental illness—but my attitude has changed. I may be a person challenged by mental illness, but I am no longer held victim by a major mental illness.

Peer support has become more than a job; it has become my way of life. It colors how I relate to others and to myself. I now have a circle of support to help me face my challenges. This circle consists of fellow workers, supervisors, friends and professionals. But I also give to my supporters. My relationships have evolved from me being the powerless helpee to me being both helper and helpee—depending on the situation. For, in order to be an effective Team Leader, I must walk the talk.

One important thing about peer support is that I can share what I've learned with others. I have been in that place of darkness. I understand, in a way professionals never can, what it feels to be in that unpleasant place—how it feels to be sick and feel there's no way out—how scary that place is, and how much effort it takes to move forward. However, learning that others have moved out of that place gave me hope that I could also move forward. Working in peer support gives me the opportunity to pay it forward because I am now able to pass the torch of hope on to others.

Ellen Tavino, Team Leader

The Staff of Serenity Steps

The North Country Warmline

The local number is 447-1765
Toll Free number is 1-866-447-1765