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Heritage Clinic Peer Counselors
Heritage Clinic's Senior Peer Counselors are trained, older-adult volunteers of Heritage Clinic offering emotional support, guidance, and compassion to fellow seniors experiencing loss, such as loneliness, isolation, and loss of loved ones. This support is not a substitute for formal care, but rather a complement to professional care, and an encouragement when no professional care is required. Training, Requirements and Benefits Initial training is offered in one, 3- to 4-hour session each week for 12 weeks. Ongoing training occurs in weekly supervision and monthly seminars on topics relevant to peer counseling and aging. Senior Peer Counselors commit to volunteering for 10 hours each week over one year. Satisfactory results of a TB test and background check are required. A reliable car, satisfactory driving record and auto insurance are required. Heritage Clinic provides mileage reimbursement.
San Diego Contact:
Velia Gitari 760-737-8642, ext. 261
vgitari@heritageclinic.org |
Los Angeles Contact:
Joan Ellison 626-577-8480
jellison@cfar1.org |
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Manuel's talent for romantic music and song warms our hearts and souls.
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The Peer Counseling Program graduated its fourth class of Peer Counselors in our Escondido office this March 2010. The graduation was attended by Peer Counselors from Mission Gorge and those currently serving in our Escondido office. As we celebrated the graduation, we highlighted, mentioned, and made known the unique contribution of each volunteer in terms of their talents, their enormous contribution to our agency and their dedication to this wonderful program. Congratulations graduating class of 2010! |
A peak at our bountiful table.
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Graduating class of 2010!
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Linda receiving her certificate of completion.
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Peers serving at Mission Gorge and Escondido.
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Look at that gorgeous and delicious cake!
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The Peer Program celebrated its End-of-the-Year/Christmas Celebration. All three sites were together for this festive event. We enjoyed good company, good food and excellent music. Mani played for impromptu singers, led the group in Christmas songs and took us to Memory Lane as he sang romantic songs with his magical guitar. This year the our program celebrated its Second Anniversary and the resolute of our amazing volunteers is going strong. Thank you peers for all the work you do for your clients and for Heritage Clinic!
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We really like Memory Lane!
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Who says I don? t look pretty?
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Presenting the talented Carmencita&
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Who says I don? t look pretty?
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The Peer Counseling Program celebrated its third graduation event. This new group or recruits will be integrated in the Escondido, Mission Gorge and Summercrest Apartment locations. During the event we were visited by current peers, guests and family members of the graduating class, and DMH County officials. We all shared an international brunch and we were serenaded by our own talented peer and musician: Mani Alvarez.
Guest, family, friends and peers who attended the graduation
Graduating Class of 2009
Mid-Year Pot-Luck Celebration
The Peer Counseling Program celebrated its Mid-Year Pot-Luck Celebration. Peer Counselors from the three sites: Summercrest, Mission Gorge and Escondido met to celebrate working collectively to serve their clients with compassion, dedication and love. The menu was delicious elegant and international. It was prepared with care and love. We were serenaded by the talented Manuel Alvarez based at Mission Gorge with his romantic guitar. There was dancing, laughter, lots of hugs and catching up. We were graced with VIP personalities such as the wonderful staff of the Resource Center Vicky Fernandez, Elsa Rodriguez and Beda Gaona. Also, Doris Borg from Mission Gorge was delighted to see the enthusiasm and dedication of our all our peers. Thank you peers for all the hard work you do. We are very fortunate to have each of you in our program.
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Guests find it contagious to be with our friendly peers. Back: Linda(in training), Front Left Ben (guest) Lilia(2/08), Connie(2/08), Maria (2/08).
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Making friends is effortless in the Peer Counseling Program. Carmencita (12/08) Diane (in training), Marina (12/08), Linda (12/08).
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Meet all the fantastic Peer Counselors serving at Heritage Clinic.
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Marina and Epifania graduated together in December 08.
Their friendship is evident.
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Manuel's smile is always ready to warm anyone.
He serves out of our Mission Gorge Office.
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Diane is a wonderful addition to our ranks.
She will graduate from the peer training in 9/09.
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Lilia(12/08), Espie (2/08), Mr & Mrs. Capule (2/08),
Modesto (12/08) Vicky Fernandez (Summercrest Resident Coordinator),
Mr & Mrs. Ceralde (2/08). They are a terrific bunch.
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Delicious and international food is always present in our table.
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Ruth has been a Peer Counselor in our Escondido office since 8/08.
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Dance celebrates the good music, contagious laughter, delicious food and lasting friendship.
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See the smiles and determination of our Peer Counselors: Left Antonia (2/08) Espie (2/08), Carmencita (12/08), Angie (in training).
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