I am deeply grateful for the grant-funded scholarship that allowed me to complete the Painted Brain Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification Training. This incredible opportunity empowered me to enhance my skills and knowledge, equipping me to serve our underserved communities better.

The training provided me with valuable tools and insights that have strengthened my ability to connect with individuals through shared lived experiences. It has reinforced the importance of peer support in helping community members navigate challenges, build resilience, and work towards thriving lives.

This funding is not just an investment in individuals like me; it is a lifeline for the communities we serve. By enabling the development of skilled Peer Support Specialists, this support ensures that underserved populations receive compassionate, relatable, and effective care. We are fostering a foundation for growth, healing, and empowerment across our communities.

Deborah Roberson
Executive Director, T.D.D. Supportive Living Inc.

As someone who has struggled with mental health, substance misuse, and the criminal justice system, I’m always looking for new tools and skills to keep me on the right track. The struggle is never over but the Painted Brain peer support training helped me to turn the struggle into a strength. I now facilitate support groups at men’s prisons here in Southern California, and every week use what I learned in that training. I am able to share my experiences and what I’ve overcome in a way that I hope allows others to feel empowered too. Genuinely: thank you for making that possible.

Edward Cervantes

For a person like myself who was charged with ADW at the age of 16, many hopes and dreams die at the moment you are convicted. Being able to take this training gave my life light again. I don't have to work shady jobs for low pay anymore and as a bonus I get to help people again. I know that helping others is my passion. With passion in the fuel tank and an opportunity like this, I can only feel grateful for the life I've lived. Don't lose hope and may you be blessed with the opportunity to see your efforts reach success.

With much gratitude and love,

Julio Reyes 

My name is Joana Mejia, I’m a DV Survivor. I would like to thank Painted Brain for offering the Painted Brain Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification Training through a grant-funded scholarship. Through this grant I was able to take the course and get my certification free of charge. This was an amazing learning experience!  I learned about the rights and acts benefiting patient’s with mental health illness and how I can be of support to my peers. I learned about resources available throughout our communities and the importance of  how much Art can really help people express themselves through painting, writing, music and creativity. This experience has left me with the motivation to keep my creativity alive in every possible way and to keep pursuing my dreams no matter how impossible it may seem. Thank you so much for providing this training accessible to anyone no matter their financial background! I would also like to mention that the Peer Facilitator Trainers are amazing at what they do!

Joana Mejia