Becoming a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) at Orenda
In 2024, I was hired to work at The Orenda Center of Wellness as a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS). I am a person in recovery who has decided to commit to a career pathway that includes helping other people in recovery. Being a Peer is a privilege that I don’t take for granted. I enjoy working with other people with substance use disorders (SUD) or co-occurring mental health disorders. It has been very encouraging to be able to support so many people progress in their lives and get through difficult parts of their life.
Beyond Treatment
I am able to work with individuals who are enrolled in Orenda’s Intensive Outpatient program and Outpatient program. I provide resources for individuals who are enrolled in our programs. These resources include; opportunities for support with seeking employment, transportation, sober living options, connection to state care coordinators, expungement support from Maryland Legal Aid, credit workshops with Interfaith Housing Alliance, dental, vision, and furthering education resources.
Why You Should Consider Becoming a CPRS in Maryland
I encourage anyone who has lived experience with substance use or mental health, or has a family member with those disorders, who has a passion for encouraging others in their recovery, to consider becoming a CPRS in the state of Maryland. Peer Recovery is a growing field in Maryland. Peer to Peer support offers clients a way to work one-on-one with someone who is in recovery and who has lived experience. Oftentimes this is a great first step for people who just need a little extra reinforcement.
My Experience and Recommendation
Working at Orenda has given me the ability to see how I can move forward in my own career as I further my education and training in the mental health field. Orenda offers groups for mental health and substance use as well as other programs. For anyone who is struggling with mental health issues or substance use issues, I definitely recommend Orenda. The staff are helpful and care about their clients.
There is hope for a life worth living and it starts with making that initial phone call.
Call Orenda today at 240-831-4873 or check out our website theorendacenter.com to enroll in our inpatient residential services, outpatient services, PHP programs, Mental Health groups, or to try our new Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) that can help with clinical depression.
You are worth it!
Written by:
Morgan Wisniewski, CPRS
