About Shift
Shift is a peer recovery network supporting dynamic recovery paths by uniting our LGBTQ community to experience freedom through empowerment.
Shift is a multi-agency collaboration that provides administrative, emotional, and supervisory support for volunteers and clients in the Seattle/King County area who are Lesbian /Gay /Bisexual /Transgender /Queer / Questioning (LGBTQ) people struggling with drug/alcohol abuse and addiction issues. This peer recovery network was awarded a grant from SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) in October 2011 to form a Recovery Coach project. Shift represents a collaboration of agencies, namely Rosehedge/Multifaith Works and Seattle Area Support Groups and Community Center (SASG), each of which brings unique experience and services to the Network. This Network was built to bring the strengths of each agency together.
While staff members from each collaborating agency provide support and guidance for the Network, the intent of Shift is to create a safe space for peers to walk together in their journey of recovery. Peer volunteers are people in recovery from drug and/or alcohol addiction who understand the dual stigmas of being an addict and a sexual minority. There is an emphasis on volunteer recruitment, training, and leadership skills development for peer volunteers, as well as the widest possible array of recovery support options for peer clients. The target client population ranges in age, ethnicity, and socio-economic status, and services rendered will be free of charge. By combining services, the collaborative team creates a continuum of care that addresses the spectrum of needs within the LGBTQ recovery community without duplicating specific services. Peer clients also receive information about existing services of any current peer support programs. within King County. Shift's aim is to support existing programs while expanding their reach into the LGTBQ recovery community
A little more about Multifaith Works:
Rosehedge/Multifaith Works defines recovery as "A personal commitment to a collaborative process which incorporates mental, spiritual, and physical health and balance in response to addictive and/ or self damaging behavior."
Rosehedge/Multifaith Works has the amazing opportunity in providing those who are newly sober and have a commitment to their recovery a way out of isolation by placing them with a Recovery Coach.
