ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Leaders at the House of Mercy in downtown Rochester are working toward building a more inclusive and supportive community. 

What You Need To Know

  • The House of Mercy is looking to train and certify peer advocates in new program

  • Focusing on mental health and substance abuse training

  • Money for the program comes from a $265,000 federal grant

They believe a new program will help them do this. Thanks to a new federal grant of $265,000, the House of Mercy will be able to train around 30 new peer advocates. 

People like Flora Jones, who was part of the House of Mercy’s first cohort for training. 

“This program is for me and so many others like me, who want to make a difference and who understand life isn’t always so simple,” said Jones. 

Speaking to a crowd of people, Jones shared how becoming a peer advocate helped her breakthrough generational trauma. 

“I’m striving to build a life of balance. Balance is the bridge between you and life," said Jones. "This is the bridge I’m hoping to build for myself in my journey.”

Training will focus in helping Black, indigenous and people of color become peer advocates specializing in mental health and substance abuse issues.

Executive Director Dr. Tammy Butler said these advocates play a critical role in creating a more inclusive community. 

"This means building a support system that is really reflective of the community is serves, fostering trust and understanding," said Dr. Butler. 

Once certified, peer advocates will be able to work in community agencies, emergency rooms and homeless shelters – like the House of Mercy. 

In addition to training and preparation for certification, House of Mercy also offers support with job skills, resume writing, interviewing preparation, and other wrap around services to program

participants.

Anyone interested in the peer advocate program can contact the House of Mercy at 585-546-2580.