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Peer Support Network

HomePeer Support Network
About the Peer Support Network

The New Haven Pride Center is proud to introduce the Peer Support Network, a mentoring program that connects LGBTQIA+ youth ages 16-24 with peer mentors from across the state. The purpose of the Peer Support Network is to establish a Community of Care to support and uplift LGBTQ+ youth in Connecticut. Peer mentors are volunteers and are typically close in age with the mentees they serve. By sharing their own journey navigating government systems, mental health issues, recovery, and other unique challenges, peer mentors offer their mentees an informed perspective, healthy coping strategies, and hope for a brighter future. 

Modeled after the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP), a national peer support and recovery network for youth and adults facing substance abuse and mental wellness issues, the Peer Support Network is committed to providing culturally-relevant and trauma- and stigma-aware safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth. Building on this framework, we envision the Peer Support Network as a youth-centered program that promotes self-determination and self-actualization by equipping youth with the support and the skills they need to advocate for themselves.

Meet the Director

Ta’LannaMonique Lawson-Dickerson (she/they)
Youth Services Coordinator
Questions? Contact her here. 

Thank You to Our Sponsor

Matching Process

After carefully reviewing each peer mentor and mentee application, New Haven Pride Center staff will match mentors and mentees together based on their backgrounds, interests, and needs. Once a potential match is made, the Mentor Program Manager will first contact the prospective peer mentor and, without using last names, describe and provide information about the peer to determine if the peer mentor is interested in moving forward. Given initial interest by the peer mentor, the Mentor Program Manager will then provide the peer’s parent/caregiver with information about the prospective peer mentor. If both the peer mentor and the parent/caregiver agree, the Mentor Program Manager will then contact the peer and describe the prospective peer mentor to them. The peer is informed last so as to minimize disappointment if either the peer mentor and/or parent/caregiver does not approve of the suggested match. Once both parties tentatively agree to the match, the Mentor Program Manager will facilitate an introductory meeting between the peer mentor, the mentee, and the mentee’s parent or caregiver. 

Become a Mentee

The Peer Support Network is divided into two streams: YouthLink, which is a referral-based program sponsored by the Department of Children and Families for LGBTQ+ youth in foster care, and PeerLink, which is open to all Connecticut LGBTQ+ youth ages 16-24. LGBTQ+ youth in foster care must be referred to the program by their DCF case manager. All other LGBTQ+ youth who are interested in finding a peer mentor can apply directly through the New Haven Pride Center by clicking the link below. The program is limited to 20 slots, and applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.

Become a Mentor

Mentors ages 17-40 are invited to apply. Before they can be matched with a mentee, peer mentors must submit an application, pass an initial interview and background check, and complete 8 hours of peer mentor training. The peer mentor training covers topics such as boundaries and ethics in the mentoring relationship, trauma-informed care, sexual assault, domestic violence, suicide and crisis response, confidentiality and mandatory reporting, and anti-racism. Once matched, peer mentors meet regularly with their mentees in-person and/or virtually and participate in mandatory monthly check-ins with our Director of Youth Services. 

Please note that this is a volunteer position. While you will be compensated for any expenses you incur, you will not be paid for your time. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. 

Stay in Touch

Youth Mailing List

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