Gainesville Peer Respite

The Gainesville Peer Respite seeks to provide a safe environment that encourages honest and open dialogue about the effects of mental illness, substance use disorder and trauma on our communities. The values that we ascribe to are central to the consumer operated model and will be vital to creating a network of volunteers Peer support professionals and community leaders all working to advocate for change and to reduce the negative stigma associated with mental illness. Gainesville Peer Respite Core values are Respect - recognizing that all people are different and come from different backgrounds and different experiences; having admiration and esteem for the things that make us different while embracing the things that we all share. Openness - a willingness to be emotionally accessible and able to process trauma in a healthy way that builds trust in our abilities and in others. Community - a group of people from similar background or circumstances who come together to share their experiences and support each other. Self-Efficacy - an individual’s belief in their innate abilities to affect positive change in their own lives and the lives of others. Empowerment - The process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling one's life and claiming one's rights. What makes us different? Staff roles are non-clinical, but all identify as peers and connect with guests over shared experiences Guests are not asked about psychiatric diagnosis or treatment Voluntary admission; walk-ins welcome and services are offered on a first come, first serve basis