Peer Center launches FLEX volunteer program

The Peer Center is a local nonprofit organization that is dedicated to supporting people who are experiencing challenges with substance abuse and recovery or depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation. Their new volunteer program FLEX is becoming active in the community.

FLEX stands for forward life exercises.

“We help show people how to move forward from any situation using things like behavioral activation models, increasing positive reinforcement, reducing avoidant behaviors, and developing purpose-oriented approaches to ascension, improvement and higher expectations of oneself rather than just basic coping skills,” Larry Monroy said.

Volunteers with FLEX will do all types of projects for the community: light landscaping, lawn care, power washing, painting and janitorial/cleaning services.

“We’ve already set up to quite a bit of work over at Lake Park,” Monroy said.

Everyone in the community is encouraged to volunteer.

“Most volunteers will consist of adults seeking to get involved with community improvement and beautification projects,” Monroy said. “In addition, as a nonprofit we are currently working with Job & Family Services, as well as the court system, to satisfy volunteer options consistent with requirements from both. Currently, we are working with adults, but we have been approached by many youth group leaders, so we will be tailoring this for those groups as well.”

The group already has quite a few volunteers and plans on taking more indefinitely. Those who are involved with JFS or the court system can let their liaison know they are interested in volunteering with FLEX. Monroy said they will help people volunteer where they are most comfortable.

FLEX is a fundraiser by design. The program will get jobs done in the community for businesses, individuals and other nonprofits, and their donation for the project completed will go back into The Peer Center to be used for the community.

“So the dollar spent for services rendered at a discounted price goes back into the 501(c)(3) to strengthen things like the E-Motion E-Bike program, mental health and wellness programs, peer support groups, and several other programs at the center,” Monroy said. “This really creates a win-win situation because the dollar you have already been counting on spending for a specific service now goes right back into the community in one way or form and is locked into nonprofit purposes.”

What makes FLEX unique is it helps multiple needs at once.

“People gain confidence, routine and work experiences while the community benefits from visible improvement projects,” Monroy said.

For more information on The Peer Center or FLEX, call 740-202-2703 or stop by The Peer Center at 15 Walnut St., beside Stewart Field.