Peer support services connect people in recovery from mental health and/or substance use challenges with individuals still working on getting well. Peer support specialists have walked a mile in their shoes, so to speak, and are able to offer guidance and support from the perspective of someone who has overcome similar experiences.

People with mental health challenges who are helped by peers tend to experience more thorough and longer-lasting recoveries (Vestal, 2013). Additionally, research shows that the use of peer specialists allows states to save mental health program dollars by reducing hospitalizations and other emergency interventions.

Mental Health America of Northeast Indiana (MHANI) offers recovery courses, one-on-one mentoring, and peer-facilitated support groups. A mental health diagnosis is not a requirement for participation in any services. MHANI is proud to employ peers at all levels of the organization.

Peer support services are funded by Parkview Hospital’s Community Health Improvement program and by Arts United and the Indiana Arts Commission, which receives support from the State of Indiana and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Support Groups

All support groups are facilitated by peers who have faced the challenge that the support group addresses. A mental health diagnosis is not required to attend.

Art Support Group

+ Free, no pre-registration required

+ For ages 15+ interested in the intersection of art and mental health

+ Located in the Purdue Fort Wayne Visual Arts Building, room 209

+ 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month from 6:00 – 7:30 PM ET

Creative Growth Support Group

+ Free, no pre-registration required

+ For ages 18+ interested in experiencing personal growth via artistic activities

+ Located in the Georgetown Library Large Study Room

+ Various Tuesdays throughout the summer from 10-11:30 am ET

Times, dates, and locations of support groups are subject to change. Follow our social media platforms to stay up-to-date.

Questions? Find out more information by contacting us.