Our Services

PEERS Navigator Program 

 

Peer Elevated & Educated Reentry Services (PEERS) Navigator Program is designed to support individuals transitioning back into their communities after experiencing incarceration. PEERS reflects our commitment to offering holistic assistance to those navigating the challenges of reentry.

 

At the heart of our program is a trauma-informed approach, recognizing that the journey from incarceration to community integration can be fraught with emotional, psychological, and social challenges. We understand that the collateral consequences of incarceration extend far beyond the time spent behind bars, often resulting in what is termed "perpetual punishment." These consequences can manifest in various forms, including stigma, limited access to resources, and strained relationships.

 

Our PEERS Navigators are uniquely equipped to address these challenges. Trained in trauma-informed care, they possess a deep understanding of the complex intersections between trauma, incarceration, and reentry. What sets ABW Navigators apart is their lived experience with the carceral system, allowing them to offer genuine empathy, aspects of their own journey, and insight into the struggles faced by those reentering society, including ourselves.

 

Key Features

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Individualized Support: Each participant is paired with a PEERS navigator who provides personalized support tailored to their needs and circumstances.  In addition, they are introduced to the entire team of ABW in order to develop rapport with more than their primary navigator.

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Trauma-Informed Approach: Our navigators are trained to recognize the signs of trauma and respond with sensitivity and empathy, creating a safe and supportive environment for participants to heal and grow.

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Resource Navigation: We assist participants in accessing essential resources such as housing, employment opportunities, healthcare, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services, helping to address the root causes of return to incarceration.

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Empowerment and Skill-Building: Through one-on-one navigation, group workshops, and peer support networks, we empower participants to develop essential life skills, strengthen their resilience, and set and achieve their individual and self determined goals for a successful reintegration back into society.

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Community Engagement: We collaborate with local stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, employers, and community leaders to foster a supportive environment that welcomes, embraces, and values individuals returning from incarceration and how their community can benefit from their experiences.

 

Our Vision for the ABW PEERS Navigator Program

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At A Brighter Way, our vision for the PEERS Navigator Program centers on “Reentry Through Relationship”—actively engaging our community to welcome and value those with lived experience. We believe that people returning from incarceration enrich our communities, and we are committed to making that truth visible.

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While our primary work begins at the end of the “system,” our impact goes further: we help break cycles of perpetual punishment and reduce generational harm. Through in-reach to prisons, we prepare individuals for life beyond incarceration, recognizing that reentry affects not just the individual, but their family and community as well. Our peer navigation services and community events foster open dialogue, healing, and reconnection for all involved.

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Many with a carceral history have faced four persistent barriers: limited opportunity to dream, little prevention, a focus on correction, and a lack of redemption. ABW’s greatest influence is in restoring aspiration and making redemption possible, helping people imagine new futures and reclaim their place in the community.

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Redemption is a two-way street: it requires both personal growth and community acceptance. Through our PEERS Navigation Program, we equip individuals with personal development tools and connections to essential services, supporting their journey to a fulfilling, productive life. At the same time, we work to “make it personal” for the broader community—addressing stigma, advocating in local government, and building relationships that foster true belonging. Our goal is for every community member to recognize that those with lived experience have repaid their debt and have earned the same opportunities for quality of life as anyone else.