Schuylkill Adult Probation expands peer support services

It’s a “letter of linkage” and an important link for the community. During a meeting Wednesday, acting on a request from the Adult Probation Office, the Schuylkill County Commissioners approved a two-year linkage with Culture2Culture, a Pottsville-based organization, to provide peer support services for defendants.

Culture2Culture is located at 110 E. Arch St., Pottsville (570-581-8377). The organization provides peer-to-peer recovery and wellness support services to individuals with mental health and associated co-occurring (substance use/addiction) challenges. Through support from peers, their unique recovery processes are supported through role-modeling and mentoring.

Culture2Culture provides daytime hours (find them on Facebook, or at www.culture2culture.org). Their Conversation Café, held on Fridays from 7 to 10 p.m., is increasingly popular. The Conversation may feature a short video on a related topic, poetry, speakers and live music, followed by discussions.

Leaders at Culture2Culture, contacted after the commissioners’ meeting, are thrilled with the official partnership.

“We are now connected, and we will help people navigate through recovery,” said CEO Ed Perhonich. “It might seem like a small step, but it is profound, and we’re excited about it.”

Perhonich said that one of the unique services offered by Culture2Culture is “forensic peer support.” Certified peer support specialists will support people who are navigating the criminal justice system, he explained.

“It’s often called re-entry but we call it re-citizenship,” Perhonich said. “It’s just one of the things that makes us different, and our partnership (with Adult Probation) will help support people in recovery.”