Blog /California

I walked into the main office at PEERS one chilly winter day not knowing what to expect. I was nervous and excited about beginning my first day of working for a consumer-run agency as the Project Coordinator. In my postion, I work on statewide projects that help eliminate stigma and discrimination. As I waited to get set up in my new office, I heard voices of laughter coming from down the hall, and noticed how people appeared to be happy as they came into work to start their day. I was quickly oriented to the workings of my new office and before I knew it, I was ready to begin my first day. I was quickly booked into multiple meetings from San Francisco to Sacramento to learn all about the various projects I would be working on and met many people I would be working with.

Over the next several days I found myself increasingly impressed by how PEERS manages to be a friendly, fun, and professionally- balanced work environment. I’m pleased to say that as I sit in my office writing this blog one month from the day I started, I really appreciate working at PEERS. I'm happy to be a part of an organization that has the capability of making a real difference in the lives of people with mental health issues throughout the state of California. 

Also, since coming to PEERS, I've experienced some mental health symptoms, which for a short time were affecting my ability to sleep. Throughout the experience I felt very much supported and understood, and I appreciated that. I have never worked in a consumer-run organization before and I didn’t know what to expect at first. PEERS has so far exceeded my expectations. I am grateful to be working with the PEERS team who has come to make me feel very welcome in my new job.