If you asked a search engine to define a Peer Support Specialist (PSS), it might say: a trained mental health or substance use worker who draws on lived experience to guide others facing similar struggles. But if you asked a Peer Support Specialist at allcove San Juan Capistrano, the answer would go much deeper.
As Peer Support Specialists, we use our lived experience to share hope and recovery. We walk alongside youth and young adults with empathy, meeting them at their own pace. What makes peer support unique is that it is built on mutuality, shared experience, and compassion, rather than an expert-to-patient relationship. Sometimes the most healing words someone can hear are, “I can relate to what you just said. You are not alone in this, and it is okay to take a few extra turns as you figure out your next steps.”
Peer Support Specialists have the privilege of working with youth and young adults ages 12 to 25 at allcove San Juan Capistrano, a drop-in center revolutionizing the way we approach youth mental health care. Alongside mental and physical health services, substance use support, family resources, and education and employment coaching, allcove offers something that cannot be manualized: connection with someone who has been there. Peer Support Specialists are often the first face a young person sees when they walk through our doors.
We are not only supporting youth and their families as they navigate healthcare systems and treatment options; we are also a welcoming face and compassionate voice during some of the most difficult, confusing, and lonely times in a young person’s life. This is what inspired each of us to pursue this role.
Iris Vera, a Peer Support Specialist at allcove San Juan Capistrano, said her passion for supporting others began when she helped a family member through their mental health challenges. “Growing up in a Latino community, I learned that vulnerability was sometimes viewed as a sign of weakness. As a result, my family member struggled in silence, fearing they would be misunderstood. I made it my mission to provide a safe, judgment-free space where they could share what they were experiencing.”
She added, “Through this experience, I learned the power of listening with empathy. It inspired me to pursue a path where I could help others feel heard, understood, and supported during difficult times. I found that opportunity by becoming a Peer Support Specialist.”
Bryson Smalls was inspired to become a Peer Support Specialist because he saw an opportunity to help other young people by sharing lessons he has learned along the way. Finishing his senior year of college studying psychology, Bryson brings a unique perspective, as he is navigating some of the same challenges as the youth who come into allcove.
“As Peer Support Specialists, we draw from our lived experience with recovery,” Bryson said. “I strive to lead with empathy and understanding, recognizing that I may have been in a similar place to the young people entering our center. Our lives are often more relatable than we realize, and recognizing my own strengths throughout my recovery journey has empowered me to help others recognize their own strengths.”
Lupita Sanchez has worked with the allcove program for three years. “I have seen firsthand the impact peer support can have on the youth in our community,” she said. “Actively listening to young people’s stories, sharing our experiences, identifying strengths, and embodying hope can make a meaningful difference.”
At the heart of peer support is a simple message: you do not have to navigate life alone. Peer support shows us the power of being heard and understood. Every day, we have the opportunity to turn lived experience into connection, hope, and meaningful support for the young people we serve.
To learn more about allcove San Juan Capistrano, visit allcove.org/centers/san-juan-capistrano or follow along on Instagram @allcovesanjuancapistrano.