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Description:
Over the last several years, many public libraries have hired social workers to address the needs of customers experiencing life challenges. Denver Public Library is leading this charge with a team of four social workers and four peer navigators. The team provides supportive services for all members of our community, focusing on those experiencing homelessness, the immigrant and refugee communities, and children and families. Implementing a peer navigator program, brings an evidenced based practice to the forefront of community issues, creates jobs, and role models recovery and resiliency.

Objectives:
1. Understand how to be creative in addressing community needs in a non-traditional setting
2. Develop appreciation for peer work
3. Understand the importance of connection between micro, mezzo and macro social work

About the Presenters:
Elissa Hardy, LCSW is the Community Resource Manager at the Denver Public Library. This department consists of three other social workers and four peer navigators. Her role also includes providing training for library staff in the areas of trauma informed services, homelessness, mental health, resiliency, and more. She serves as the co-chair for the Leadership Committee for the Collective Impact to address Substance Use for the City of Denver and serves on the Board of Directors for Metro Denver Homeless Initiative. She's working nationally with the Public Library Association to create an education series for libraries around the issues of homelessness, trauma, and more. The Community Resource team connects with Denver’s citizens utilizing the library who are experiencing life challenges. The team works to support and build relationship with people and assist them in navigating community resources to achieve their goals and improve quality of life. Elissa also teaches courses on Policy; Mental Health, Substance Use, Trauma and Recovery; and Power, Privilege and Oppression at the Graduate School of Social Work at the University of Denver.

Sarah Humble is a Peer Navigator in the Community Resource Department at the Denver Public Library.  She is a certified facilitator for the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) and assists in the facilitation of  the Peer Specialist/Recovery Coach Certification training conducted by the Colorado Mental Wellness Network. She has have over 5 years of recovery from a substance use disorder and a severe and persistent mental health condition. 

Salon attendees receive 1.5 CEUs.