About Project Return Peer Support Network
Our Mission
Project Return Peer Support Network (PRPSN) creates opportunities for connection that enrich and inspire individuals with mental illness to pursue a life without limits.
Inspiring People to Live Happier and Fuller Lives…Project Return Peer Support Network’s diverse programs are on the cutting edge of peer provided services and are designed to support people at various places in their recovery process. They are person-centered, strengths-based and hope-inspired to ensure that people have a blanket of support that assists them in achieving a happier, more peaceful life.
History of PRPSN
1979
Project Return Peer Support Network was founded by John Siegel, Rhoda Zussman and Richard Van Horn of the Mental Health Association of Los Angeles County, California’s first staff-facilitated peer support program for people with mental illness.
1992
We adopted the name Project Return: The Next Step to reflect a transition to a client-operated program in response to the client empowerment movement and clients’ need for a greater voice in designing and running programs. Services were expanded to include over 55 clubs with a total of over 800 members.
1999
The Friendship Line, now known as the Warm Line, received its first call in 1999. The purpose of the line was to share experiences, and it continues to operate 365 days a year, staffed entirely by peers who provide a listening ear to callers in the evenings and weekends when traditional services are closed.
2001
Un Paso Mas was created in response to the lack of services and resources for Spanish-speaking individuals in Southeast Los Angeles. By partnering with schools, parks, and churches, Un Paso Mas is able to offer support out in the community, including 16 weekly support groups, quarterly workshops, regular outreach to local government representatives and health and wellness agencies, and participation in local health fairs to raise awareness.
2009
El Centrito de Apoyo was established to create a space for mutual support for monolingual Spanish speakers. El Centrito has daily groups that focus on mental health topics and recreational groups that facilitate recovery through the arts, music, and exercise. Staff also provide one-on-one housing and employment support. Workshops in the Promotoras program cover such topics as the citizenship process and public health issues. El Centrito also offers the use of a computer lab for individuals in the community to job search, find housing, and develop social connectedness online.
2011
PRPSN became an independent, peer-run 501(c)(3) organization.
2013
Hacienda of Hope opened its doors as one of the first Peer-Run Respite Care Homes in Los Angeles County. Hacienda of Hope serves guests eighteen years and older who are in psychiatric distress but not a danger to self or others. During their stay, guests work on individualized wellness plans, receive support with activities of daily living, attend peer-run support groups, participate in extracurricular and recreational activities, and are linked to outside services and natural community supports.
2015
PRPSN was recognized by Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health as its own legal entity and expanded its breadth and depth as a contract provider to include: IMD step-down, peer support/peer counseling/peer mentoring services, alternative crisis support, bridging and support services, workforce training and development, wellness centers/client run centers, and innovation services.