WHO WE ARE
Our Mission, Vision, and Values
OUR MISSION
PEER Services reduces 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.
OUR VISION
We strive toward a community free from harmful cycles of trauma, substance use, and addiction and from the stigma and systemic barriers that reinforce them. Our goal is to help people develop the skills and resilience to overcome challenges and to unleash their inner capacities to create the lives they want.
OUR VALUES
Our work is driven by our values, including:
Compassion – Seeking help is an act of love and should be met with love.
Respect – Every person deserves dignity and has inherent worth.
Science – Addiction is a treatable disease.
Harm reduction – We meet people where they are.
Hope – Change is possible. It is never too late to rebuild yourself and your life.
Self-efficacy – Each person has the power to take charge of their own life and make decisions about what is best for them.
Community – No one needs to struggle alone. We are stronger together.
Equitable Access – We serve all in need, regardless of their background or ability to pay.
PEER Services is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and strives to manifest these values throughout our programs and services; in our interactions with all clients, community members, and other constituents; and within our team, including staff and board members.
A Brief History of PEER Services
Throughout our history, PEER Services has adapted our services in response to changing community needs and we continue to do so today.
1975
Founded by community leaders, parents, elected officials, clergy and business leaders in response to opioid crisis
1987
Started on-site prevention programming at local schools
2000
Accredited by The Joint Commission, the gold seal of approval in the healthcare field
Opened a second office in Glenview in response to growing demand
Today
Maintained all services during Covid-19 pandemic
Added telehealth counseling
Partnering with St. Francis Hospital to connect patients to ongoing treatment
New co-location at Turning Point in Skokie that enhances integration with mental health treatment replaced Glenview office
PEER Services is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. Since 1975, PEER Services has provided community-based substance use prevention and treatment services to teens, adults and families in Northern Cook County, including Evanston, Maine, New Trier, Niles and Northfield Townships, and the north side of Chicago. Our treatment services are available to all Illinois residents, and clients have come from as far as north as Zion and from Chicago’s south and west sides.
PEER Services is licensed by the Illinois Department of Human Services and accredited by The Joint Commission.
PEER Services is committed to delivering quality services to the individuals, families and communities we serve.
- All of our substance use treatment counselors hold professional licenses and Master’s degrees. Our medical staff includes experienced nurses, and two physicians (our medical director and a consulting psychiatrist).
- We utilize the best practices in the field. We value professional development and ensure staff members remain up-to-date on 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.