Helping to Unite by Generating Mental Empowerment (HUG ME) Ink will be hosting the 1st Annual PEER-A-PALOOZA Peer Summit on Saturday, May 7, 2022. Our 2022 theme is: Creating a Zest for Life Through Growth, Resilience, Recovery and Community

Our goals of PEER-A-PALOOZA are:

- To empower peers with the necessary tools to grow in their own recovery

- To leave the past as the past and move forward with dreams

- Be the change agent they can be in their commUNITY

We believe that unifying talented peers of diverse backgrounds provides a unique opportunity to interact and propose stronger solutions together. 

There are various ways to get involved:

REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED: $25 Fee.

*FREE REGISTRATION FOR PEER SPECIALISTS

SPONSORSHIP PARTNERSHIPS:

(Since this is an online event, all exhibitors and sponsors will have an embedded link to their website. Participants will click your logo and go to your website.)

Exhibitor, $50: listing in PEER-A-PALOOZA’s program and Exhibitor page

Friends of HUG ME Ink, $250: Sponsoring 1 Peer Registration, listing in PEER-A-PALOOZA’s program & website

Advocates, $500: Sponsoring 2 Peer Registrations, listing in PEER-A-PALOOZA’s program & website

Peer Supporters, $1,000: Sponsoring 4 Peer Registrations, ¼ sized Ad in PEER-A-PALOOZA’s program, logo and link on event website, logo on event T-shirt and Sponsor page including rolling banner

Community Supporters, $1,500: Sponsoring 6 Peer Registrations, ½ page ad in PEER-A-PALOOZA’s program, logo and link on event website, logo on event T-shirt and Sponsor page including rolling banner

Recovery Rock Stars,$2500: Sponsoring 10 Peer Registrations, Full Page ad in PEER-A-PALOOZA’s program, logo and link on event website, logo on event T-shirt and Sponsor page including rolling banner

To register as an Exhibitor or Sponsor, please fill out the form HERE. Deadline to register as an Exhibitor or Sponsor is April 8, 2022.

We hope you’ll be a part of this inaugural event. Thank you for your time and we look forward to working with you on this Conference!

Sincerely,

HUG ME Ink Staff and Board

Purchase a Conference T-shirt HERE

Purchase "don't DIS my ABILITIES" wristband or a current issue of PEER INK Magazine HERE

12:00PM-12:05PM

Welcome and Logistics

12:05PM-12:50PM

PEERFORCE AND PEER SERVICES IN TEXAS

This workshop will focus on the services and work of PeerForce, current efforts, and a glimpse into future goals.

Presenter: Kyler Liu

Kyler Liu is the Employment Coordinator at PeerForce. He is tasked with helping organizations fill open peer positions, promote internship programs and peer services throughout Texas. He has up to 10 years of experience in non-profit work and around 6 years of experience in mental health and employment services.

12:50PM-1:00PM

Break and Transition to Next Workshop

1:00PM-1:45PM

AUTISM SPECTRUM AND ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS

The presenter will discuss what Autism is along with alternative treatments for Autism.

Presenter: Mikayla Johnson

Mikayla Johnson is a graduate from California State University Stanislaus located in Turlock, CA with a BA in Psychology. Currently, she advocates for people on the Autism Spectrum.

1:45PM-2:00PM

Break and Transition to Next Workshop

2:00PM-2:45PM

THE FRIENDSHIP SQUAD: A PEER-DRIVEN PROJECT TO ADDRESS ISOLATION

This workshop will teach how a peer with an idea for helping their community can work to make it materialize.

Presenter: Dan Frey

Dan Frey is a professional crazy person and the founder of The Friendship Squad.

2:45PM-3:00PM

Break and Transition to Next Workshop

3:00PM-3:45PM

MY LIFE IN A NUTSHELL

Along my path I learned I not the only one and sometimes I think, act and outside the box. I am here to share some of it with You!

Presenter: Daniel Rossi

"I've had a colorful life. It's not as black and blue as it once was. it's all the colors of the rainbow now." Stated by Daniel John Daniel Rossi

Daniel is and international speaker, coach , consultant, trainer, advocate, author, minister, owner of The Center for True Self, enjoys make arty things, on advisory comities and member on numerous boards and committees . Daniel a mother of a 4 legged kiddo named Millie the cat. Daniel John Rossi also dedicates some his time to serve on HOST (Homeless Outreach Street Team) to support, walk with, advocate, navigate and share personal expires with our houseless neighbors.

3:45PM-4:00PM

Break and Transition to Next Workshop

4:00PM-4:45PM

WRITING AS WELLNESS

Writing as Wellness is an interactive workshop that will explore how writing can be therapeutic. Through journaling exercises, participants will be able to express themselves from their minds to the paper.

Presenter: Nicholas Holstein

Nicholas Holstein is the Executive Director for HUG ME Ink, a nonprofit he founded who educates and advocates on mental health awareness through the arts. He was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas where he graduated from UTSA with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. He’s a playwright, screenwriter, director, and producer. He has written numerous plays and musicals as well as written MANCHESTER HIGH, a film series about the issues teens go through. He is currently in the process of pursuing a Master’s degree as well. Mr. Holstein has worked in schools as a counselor and Theatre Arts teacher. His passion is to make sure everyone knows that you can live your dreams no matter what challenges you have overcome.

4:45PM-5:00PM

Closing