Mission & History
Since 1975, PEER Services has provided community-based substance use prevention and treatment services to the residents of Evanston, Northfield, New Trier, Maine and Niles Townships, and the north side of Chicago.
Our mission is to reduce the harms of substance use, addiction and stigma by engaging youth and adults with innovative prevention programming and by supporting people on their path to recovery through holistic, evidence-based treatment. We provide affirming services to all in need, regardless of their ability to pay.
PEER Services was founded as a non-profit organization on October 7, 1975 by a group of citizens who were concerned about the impact of substance abuse on the lives of individuals, families, and the greater Evanston community. This citizen group included representatives from the business community, clergy members, parents, elected officials, and other community leaders. Our mission is to eliminate substance use and the problems it causes for individuals, families, and communities through collaborative, high-quality prevention and treatment services.
In 1987, we began providing on-site services at local schools. In 2000, the Joint Commission accredited us for the first time, affording us the gold seal of approval in the health care field. In 2001, in response to the growing number of referrals we were receiving from the Glenview, Northbrook, and Park Ridge communities, we opened a second office in Glenview.
Our array of services has expanded over the years to respond to changing community needs. PEER Services is dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals and families in local communities by working to eliminate substance abuse. We have found that this is best accomplished by educating the community and preventing substance abuse from developing, intervening when substance abuse problems do develop, and providing treatment for teens and adults struggling with abuse, dependence, or addiction.
PEER Services is committed to delivering quality services designed to meet the needs of the individuals, families, and communities we serve. We utilize the best practices in the field. We value professional development and ensure staff members remain up-to-date on the cutting-edge research and advances in the prevention and treatment of substance use disorders. A number of our staff have been recognized for their excellence in the field by statewide organizations, including the Illinois Association for Behavioral Health and the Illinois Association for Medication Assisted Addiction Treatment.