skip to navigation

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Peer Mentor Program

People with spinal cord injury (SCI) experience life-changing and ongoing challenges in physical, psychological and social functioning.

Often, people with SCI feel unprepared when leaving the hospital. There’s new equipment. New routines. Changes in work and/or household roles. How do you participate in society?

Good Shepherd aims to bridge the gap in education and support via our evidence-based SCI Peer Mentor Program. The program connects mentors with mentees on opportunities such as:

  • Community Integration
  • Participation
  • Independence
Become a Peer Mentor

Program Goals

Evidence shows peer support is beneficial for both mentors and mentees. Our program, which features a Community Advisory Board consisting of people with lived SCI experience, aims to:

  • Remove barriers and promote access to community-based events for people with SCI
  • Increase health and wellness in rehabilitation by encouraging involvement in physical- and cognitive-enhancing activities, such as Good Shepherd’s fully accessible Optimal Fitness gym, guest speakers and recreation such as adaptive sports (e.g., golf), gaming and hobbies (e.g., fishing)
Two friends in wheelchairs on the boardwalk look out at the ocean

Mentors

If you’re interested in serving as an SCI peer mentor, please consider the following criteria:

  • Lived with SCI for at least one year
  • Complete a background check with Good Shepherd and screened for readiness
  • Attend an in-person training (5-6 hours) in Center Valley, Pa.
  • Commit to meeting in-person with mentees at Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital during their hospitalization and maintain communication for at least six months
  • Open to attending community events
  • Briefly document encounters

Mentees

We are seeking potential mentees who:

  • Sustained an SCI within the last six months
  • Want a peer mentor
  • Agreeable to providing feedback on the program
Become a Peer Mentor

Info: 610.776.3383