Reflections of the Past and Present

Strength in Peers:  A Peer-Run Organization Celebrates Ten Years of Hope, Support, and Advocacy in the Community

Nicky Fadley, Founder and Executive Director of Strength in Peers, recently spoke to the Valley Association of Retired Educators (VARE) about the organization and its services.  Members of the VARE group learned so much about the group which they will be supporting through donations this year.  Many local people may not realize that Strength in Peers, which became a separate organization from another non-profit, Future Generation in Franklin, WV in 2015, is the largest peer-run organization of its kind in the Shenandoah Valley. The first office for Strength in Peers was in Woodstock, VA. In 2016, SIP expanded to Harrisonburg.  Future Generation remained the fiscal agent for SIP through 2017.  On January 1, 2018, SIP became independent, serving Page County and the Harrisonburg-Rockingham County community in addition to Shenandoah County.  The Shenandoah County office was moved to New Market, VA.  

Peer support is a way of giving and receiving help through a focus on hope, overcoming fears, and receiving support in recovery.  The team of Certified Peer Specialists working for SIP are all in active recovery and are certified by the Virginia Certification Board.  They are trained in evidence-based recovery practices and adhere to a professional code of conduct/ethical practices.  

Strength in Peers has Recovery and Resource Centers in the City of Harrisonburg (917 North Main Street, Unit 1, open to walk-ins Monday through Friday from 9 am to 2 pm) and the Town of New Market (at 9560 South Congress Street, open to walk-ins Thursdays from 9 am to 4 pm), which are the heart of their program. They also have a satellite center at the Rocktown Health Clinic (at 25 Water Street in Harrisonburg, open to walk-ins Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 am to 2 pm.)  They provide transportation connections by appointment.  Peer support groups are part of the Recovery and Resource Center offerings; they are held in person and virtually and are facilitated by peers.  Groups include Sober Living, Anger Management, SMART Recovery, Dual Recovery Therapy and Acudetox, and Yoga/Meditation.  In ten years, SIF has served more than 6000 people. Their staff has grown from 2 people to 27 now; many local students do internships, and many local residents serve as volunteers.

According to Fadley, who grew up in Northern Virginia, and was one of those JMU alumni who loved the Shenandoah Valley and stayed, says “When we started Strength in Peers ten years ago, our goal was simple—to use what we’ve been through to help others find their way.  It’s been incredible to watch people grow, heal, and build new lives.  I’m proud of our team and thankful for the community that’s supported us every step of the way.” Fadley shares her story of her challenges which began in middle school.  Her parents sought professional therapy, but she notes that she was not engaged and traditional therapy only works for engaged individuals.  Fadley found support from peers experiencing the same mental health and substance abuse issues that she was.  With training and structure, SIF can turn peers into professionals.

Strength in Peers currently has two Recovery Homes for men seeking substance abuse recovery.  A third recovery home for women will be opened soon.  Other services include Infectious Disease prevention, HIV and Hepatitis C testing, Respite Care for unhoused individuals after hospitalization, and Street and Jail Outreach (they work with the Page County Jail, Harrisonburg-Rockingham Regional Jail, and Middle River Jail), 

For more information on Strength in Peers or to connect with services, phone 540-217-0869 or email services@strengthinpeers.org.  Visit the website at www.StrengthinPeers.org.  Happy Anniversary to Strength In Peers; thank you for the services you have provided to the local community, and keep on doing what you do so well for many more years!