07/24/2026
This week, Strength In Peers staff and Lion's PRIDE (Peer Recovery Internship for Development & Empowerment) interns came together to learn Intentional Peer Support (IPS)—a framework that guides how we build relationships by emphasizing connection, mutual learning, and hope.
Throughout the week, we explored the four tasks of IPS—Connection, Worldview, Mutuality, and Moving Towards—while practicing the core principles of shifting from helping to learning together, from individual to relationship, and from fear to hope and possibility.
Together, we reflected on connection, disconnection, and reconnection in relationships; trauma-informed care; boundaries and limits; listening for the untold story; and when to resist problem-solving in favor of staying present and validating another person's experience. We also explored how moving beyond labels like "non-compliant," "depressed," or "paranoid" can help us become more curious about people's experiences, strengths, hopes, and needs instead of making assumptions based on a single word.
Most importantly, we created space to practice, take risks, ask questions, and learn from one another.
A heartfelt thank you to Open Doors for generously providing the Navigation Center for our training and to Rockingham County Fire & Rescue for welcoming our group of 25 participants into your classroom. We are grateful for your partnership and your investment in strengthening peer support in our community. 💜
We're looking forward to continuing our IPS journey together next week!
Intentional Peer Support Rockingham County Department of Fire & Rescue SIP Harm Reduction
