To close out Recovery Month 2023—a time of celebration, education and recognition—Zepf Center clients and staff were invited to attend a concluding panel event. This unique event featured six Zepf Center Peers who shared their recovery stories and facilitated an open, realistic conversation about recovery.

At Zepf Center and across the nation, a peer is a person with lived experience trained to support those struggling with their mental health or substance use. Because of their training, peers have a matchless opportunity to engage others in recovery with a vital sense of belonging, support, and hope. 

As the panel kicked off, Steve Kapela, Senior Director of Outpatient and Recovery Support Services, welcomed the crowd and shared a bit about his recovery journey and his role at Zepf Center. In addition to his role as a Senior Director, he also serves as a peer, using his lived experience to help clients throughout their journey.

“Every year they ask me to [participate in this event] and it is one of my favorite things,” Kapela shared with the crowd. “The greatest blessing in my whole life is to have worked with all of you.”

After a short introduction from Kapela, the panelists began recounting their stories. There were many powerful moments throughout the event as panelitst shared experiences from their mental health and substance use recovery. Throughout the two-hour event, the crowd remained engaged with each panelist, offering solidarity and support along the way.

“The reason I’m sitting here with you is because I went through it too,” said one panelist. “This is peer support—this is what we should be doing for each other. Human to human supporting one another.”

Zepf Center employs peers in several departments to assist clients as they exercise control over their own lives and their recovery. Because peer specialists have unique insight and skill sets due to their lived experience, they are able to encourage, motivate and support the clients and families Zepf Center serves. 

“In my madness, I was a horrible person, but I can never forget where I came from,” another panelist shared. “I tell my story raw because people need to hear it and I need to say it.”

Connecting with someone who has lived experience in recovery makes it possible for clients to see what is achievable for themselves and set realistic goals. Peer support can also help families and caregivers navigate their unique challenges and recovery journeys. Peers also know how to access services and supports that are essential to recovery, making their role at Zepf Center vital.

For more information about Peer Support, visit https://www.samhsa.gov/peer-recovery-center-of-excellence.

To learn more about Zepf Center’s individualized, person-centered care options, visit https://www.zepfcenter.org/integrated-care/ or call 419.841.7701.