History of Peers Empower Peers

      Peers Empower Peers (PEP) is non-profit organization developed and led by persons who have lived experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery.  PEP is an independent voice for the Washington State peer community; creating low to no barrier access for peers to engage in continuing education, networking opportunities, discovering and share resources, and make meaningful community connection! PEP is also dedicated to uplifting the voices of our rural and most underrepresented populations.  Peers Empower Peers is more than an organization, we are an ever growing family of open-minded, passionate, dedicated and courageous peers and peer allies. 

      Here is a little about how PEP started and where we are headed. In 2018, a group of Eastern Washington Peers recognized the need for opportunities to grow, network and celebrate recovery for peers in Eastern and Central Washington and began a discussion. This resulted in the first annual Peers Empower Peers (PEP) conference on July 13, 2019! In response to the Covid 19 Pandemic, the PEP Conference Committee made the decision to go virtual for the 2nd annual conference. The conference was a tremendous success in bringing folks together to share their passion for recovery and to build lasting connections. PEP successfully continued their conference virtually for the next few years. Then in an effort to build on and sustain those connections, PEP was excited to announce that they would be hosting their 5th annual conference back in person on June 17th of 2023.  

      In 2023 PEP welcomed several organization changes that created new opportunities for organization growth and widening the reach of their mission. We are excited about sustaining and growing our statewide engagement in the years to come! We have expanded beyond our once a year offering and are delighted to hosting year round events with many different ways to engage with our team and greater community!