On January 20, 2022, the first PELC Graduation took place at our Crestwood San Diego campus!! This was a “live” event at the campus and family, friends, loved ones, supporters, Crestwood staff and community partners were able to join via Zoom. There were 18 graduates from the Hummingbird Healing House and Crestwood San Diego MHRC who named their graduating class, “Friends Forever.”
The graduation ceremony was hosted by Robyn Gross, San Diego Campus Administrator, and the keynote speaker was Derek Dobbins, Crestwood President and COO. Additional guest speakers included Patty Blum, Chris Martin, and Lori Ashcraft. Wearing caps and gowns and walking to the front of the room to the traditional Pomp and Circumstance Graduation Walking March, each graduate received their certificate! Several graduates shared their inspiring stories and noted the positive impact of participating in the PELC Pilot Project. Family, friends, and loved ones also had the opportunity to virtually participate in the ceremony by sharing supportive and truly uplifting comments to the graduates.
These graduates not only completed the rigorous 80-hour Peer Support Learning for the 21st Century training but also completed a 106-hour paid internship supporting individuals at the MHRC. Several of the graduates will become colleagues in Peer Support Specialist roles at our San Diego, Fallbrook, and Chula Vista campuses.
Congratulations to the first PELC Graduates – Class of 2022!!