Lighthouse Learning Series: Non-Carceral Peer Support
Starting in October 2023 and running until February 2024, we will be covering a series of queer harm reduction topics with the goal of creating a more inclusive movement.
Priority is given to those living and working in New York due to program scope. However, the series will be held virtually and is open to all those who would like to build on their harm reduction knowledge to provide better services to LGB/TGNC+ folks!
Session description: This session will be a skill development training and dialogue about alternative, non-carceral approaches to crisis. Peer-led crisis support centers the wisdom of community interdependence while offering possibilities beyond medicalized crisis frameworks. Topics covered will include non-clinical support styles, bodily autonomy, informed consent, and building solidarity amidst individual and community grief/distress.
Facilitator:
Nze Okoronta (they/them)harm reductionist, facilitator, and consultant. They are known for work surrounding crisis alternatives, peer run respites, peer run warmlines, peer support supervision & harm reduction. Nze has past experience in housing, DEI, clinical substance use counseling, and population-specific SUD program development for Black and Brown communities.
Nze is currently the Peer Services Program Director at SOAR Case Management Services Inc., overseeing Solstice House Peer Run Respite & Peer Run Warmline in Madison, WI. They also work as a Technical Assistance Consultant for PRCoE (Peer Recovery Center of Excellence) and Harm Reduction Equity Consultant for PeerPride. Nze centers the historical and ongoing truths of psychiatric survivors in their work, believing our stories hold power, community is our home, and pride is a path to liberation.
