The Peer Center plans new eBike wellness program for spring launch

Larry Monroy’s liver transplant changed his life and led him to open The Peer Center at Coshocton Inc.

“It’s because of God and OSU Wexner that I’m here to talk to you today,” he said.

Monroy, who had alcoholic liver cirrhosis, said, “I had everything I needed. I had a house, cars, was a member of civic organizations, but I was polluting myself with a chemical.”

His scar from the transplant is a constant reminder God saved him and this was his opportunity to help others.

The Peer Center is located at 15 Walnut St. in Coshocton. Monroy is the director of peer services, and his wife Lori serves as the executive director of the nonprofit.

“She plays an essential role in guiding program development, youth engagement and day-to-day operations,” Monroy said. “She has a strong heart for families going through difficult seasons, and The Peer Center is very much a team effort, with her being a key part of its compassion and stability.

“We have peer support groups to help people experiencing mental health challenges or crisis with substance abuse. We also have support groups for suicide survivors. We give you usable tools that you can leave every single time with to help, even if it’s just a little bit.”

Monroy encourages people to try each day to be better and have a willingness to get out of the comfort zone.

“As a peer I’ve been there and can share what worked for me when I was anxious,” Monroy said.

He’ll help you build your wellness toolbox and find ways to bring you back to the here and now instead of focusing on the past and the what-ifs of a situation. Peer supporters, however, are not counselors.

“Peer supports are a good bridge to counseling or work well along with counseling,” Monroy said. “They are effective because sometimes it’s easier to really open up to someone who has been there before.”

Another resource The Peer Center plans to offer is the eMotion eBike Program.

“We are targeting our official launch for this spring, with soft-start activities, orientations and safety training happening beforehand as weather allows. We already have strong interest and are pacing the launch to keep it safe and sustainable,” Monroy said. “How big we make it depends on the community and support. One big benefit will be getting kids away from scrolling, out from behind the TV and out in God’s creation.”

Participation in the eBike program will be structured, supervised and intentionally limited. Every ride will be tied to clear eligibility guidelines, safety orientation and oversight. It will be about purposeful movement, not unsupervised recreation.

“The program is designed for youth and adults who are navigating stress, anxiety, recovery, or simply need healthy connection and routine,” Monroy said. “Enrollment will be coordinated directly through The Peer Center and through our partnership with OSU Extension/4-H and Jenny Strickler. As the program grows, we look forward to welcoming additional nonprofits into the conversation, but participation will initially be channeled through these two pathways.”

The bikes will be stored at The Peer Center in Coshocton in secured storage dedicated to the program.

“We are beginning with a small fleet and scaling responsibly,” Monroy said. “The focus is on step-through, comfort-frame e-Bikes that work well for new riders, youth and adults in recovery-focused wellness programs. As the program grows, we plan to diversify into additional models to meet different ability levels.”

The program will be funded through a combination of local donations, small grants, community support and in-kind contributions.

“Our 4-H partnership has also opened doors for shared, community-rooted efforts that bring people together around wellness and belonging,” Monroy said. “We are intentionally designing the program to be low barrier so cost doesn’t prevent someone from participating.”

The goal the first year will be regular participation, visible engagement and people re-establishing routines that reconnect them to the community.

“In a rural county, isolation is one of the most under-reported health risks,” Monroy said. “This program directly disrupts that. Movement changes the brain before conversation ever can. That’s neuroscience, not philosophy. For some participants this will be the first time in years their body remembers what forward feels like.”

For more information Monroy can be called at 740-202-2703 or emailed at larrymonroy@icloud.com.