Damascus Way takes a moment to celebrate and congratulate two of our staff members who successfully passed their tests to become Certified Peer Recovery Specialists (CPRS). In the past few months a number of staff have completed our Peer Recovery training through our School of Peer Recovery, which prepares staff and volunteers to become CPRS’s. Damascus Way proudly recognizes Jonathan Dumas, our Golden Valley Reentry Coordinator, and Lawson Campbell, the Associate Director at our Rochester Community Housing, for passing their CPRS certification tests! We acknowledge the hard work and preparation that both put into studying and engaging with the material and look forward to how this knowledge will be put to use for the betterment of our staff and residents.

Lawson Campbell had the following thoughts to share:

“One thing that I’m always looking to do is add new tools to my tool belt. I very much see peer recovery services and the accompanying training that comes with it as new tools in my tool belt. I believe my calling in life is to be a disciple of Jesus Christ who makes other disciples of Jesus Christ and walks alongside them in that journey. I think at the heart of peer recovery services is that same idea, walking alongside guys in the midst of struggle. So, for me to be able to add another tool to the tool belt or to add another club selection to the golf bag to use another analogy, only helps me to be more prepared for whatever I may encounter as I pursue my life’s calling.
I do get really excited anytime I can walk alongside someone and start to see how their behaviors and thought patterns are transformed. Whether that’s from an addiction or any other number of things, to see guys in the midst of transformation is truly encouraging and inspirational.
And while I’m looking forward many of those positive, encouraging moments, I also realize that peer recovery services are an opportunity to walk with those going through the dark valleys of life. It’s not always going to be easy, but it’s always going to be worth it.
I may have been the first in the organization to get a piece of paper, but it’s worth noting and giving everyone some recognition for what we’ve already been doing. There’s so many within the organization and community at large that are already doing great work, many that will soon follow suite. I have learned so much from those around me, and I am blessed to work for an organization that invests so much into the growth of its staff.
As far as the test itself goes, I sort of consider myself as an information sponge. I soak up things pretty quick, and so as far as testing goes, I have no problems relaying the information I’ve soaked up. I’m glad that I was able to get it that test done and I can appreciate it as a milestone, however the real test is actually putting the services to work. It’s taking the information I’ve soaked up and not just filling out some bubbles on a screen, but taking that information and putting it to use by practically applying it.”

One again, we want to congratulate Lawson and Jonathan for their hard work and dedication to the ministry of serving men here at Damascus Way. This is just the beginning!