At Bellefaire JCB in Shaker Heights, Ohio, a survey was conducted of the residential clients in an effort to gain knowledge on how their needs might be better served by the agency. The survey revealed that clients desired representation by a group of peers upon whom they could rely as their voice and liaison to the agency. As a result, the first Peer Leadership Council was formed as a safe outlet for clients to express their concerns and provide suggestions to better serve their needs.
The Peer Leadership Council (PLC) is comprised of ten clients who are currently receiving treatment in one of the five residential units located on our campus. Council members are nominated by staff who felt they possessed leadership qualities and could act as role models for other peers in their respective treatment units. Each member proudly wears a PLC t-shirt to recognize their membership and help promote the council among their peers.
PLC assembles every other Friday for lunch. Various members of the Bellefaire staff including childcare workers, therapists and the Director of Residential Treatment attend the council meetings and address any issues of concern on the part of the clients. As a result of the council, each residential unit was given a suggestion box in order for members of the council as well as their peers could anonymously share their comments, concerns, or suggestions. Council members are also given the opportunity to meet new residential staff members and offer them words of advice before they began working in the units. From food choices to daily activities, all suggestions brought to the council are addressed. In a variety of ways, the Peer Leadership Council provides its members a sense of accomplishment and belonging while strengthening the lines of communication between clients and staff.
At a recent council meeting, a guest speaker was invited to share her story with the members of the council. "Julie" (name changed to protect confidentiality), a Cleveland State University graduate and employee of Bellefaire, was a former residential client who came to Bellefaire after 29 failed foster home placements. She explained how Bellefaire helped her through the difficult times in her life and provided her guidance in acquiring college tuition assistance.