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By Jesse Jones, The Paper. — For people who have gone through recovery, that experience can become more than a part of their past. It can shape their future and become a career helping others navigate mental health and substance-use challenges.
Bernalillo County, in coordination with the Albuquerque Center for Hope and Recovery (ACHR), has launched the Peer Empowerment Center at 913 Second Street NW to help people become certified peer support workers and give current workers tools to grow their careers. According to ACHR, peer support workers use their own experiences with mental health, substance use and recovery to help people navigate services, recognize their strengths and pursue their recovery goals. The center is part of the county’s effort to strengthen its behavioral health workforce. “This center is a beacon for our community — a place where hope is cultivated, recovery is strengthened, and empowerment grows through shared experience,” said Dr. Wayne Lindstrom, deputy county manager of behavioral health.
According to ACHR, the center has three pathways for people interested in the peer profession: building a foundation, becoming a certified peer support worker and growing their careers after certification. Support includes help addressing barriers to certification or employment, connecting with training, preparing for the certification exam, continuing education, job searches and interviews.
ACHR also offers mentorship and early employment support for certified peer workers, including help during their first 90 days on the job. The center also provides training and assistance to organizations that employ or are preparing to employ peer support workers, helping them develop peer-support programs and support their staff.
The Peer Empowerment Center is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. An open house is scheduled for Oct. 16, when community members and partners can tour the center, meet staff and learn more about its services. The center expects to add online and hybrid offerings in 2027. For more information, email growyourcareer@achrnm.org.