Peer Connections Program
Welcome to the SUDC Foundation’s Peer Connections Program!
Peer Connection Program Request
The Peer Connection Program was designed knowing that family members who have experienced and coped with their own grief are extremely helpful in supporting newly-bereaved families. Peer Connection Volunteer Ambassadors are NOT a substitute for professional counseling, but they can provide additional support through common life experience. These shared connections can be instrumental in helping validate the thoughts, feelings, and experiences that come and go throughout our journey.
Our Family Services staff helps facilitate the process of receiving a request from a newly bereaved family member and searching for the best possible fit amongst our trained Peer Connection Volunteers who are at least 18 months since their own child initial loss and feel ready to support another. Once the two are matched and introduced, the newly bereaved family member and Volunteer stay in touch as often as needed.
Peer Connection Program Application
Peer support is all about connecting individuals who have gone through similar experiences and allowing them to offer emotional support, share insights, and provide encouragement to one another.
At the SUDC Foundation, we believe that peer support can be incredibly effective, providing a sense of community and hope during a difficult time. Our Peer Friends are trained to offer empathy and compassion to families, using their own experiences to provide guidance and support.
It’s important to remember that peer support is not a substitute for professional counseling. However, it can provide additional support through common life experiences, helping families to feel less alone and more understood.
At the SUDC Foundation, we believe that peer support can complement professional services, providing families with a multi-faceted support system to help them navigate the grieving process.
We thank you for your interest in becoming a Peer Friend.