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Vanderheyden and Chinese Community Center Partner To Train Peer Advocates

Vanderheyden is partnering with Chinese Community Center of Albany to recruit and train Youth and Family Peer Advocates. The training is part of a state-funded grant through the Office of Mental Health and is designed to increase the number of trained Peer Advocates across New York.

Vanderheyden was awarded $275,000 as one of ten organizations receiving this grant. Chinese Community Center is one of five grassroots organizations partnering with Vanderheyden across six counties to develop the Peer Advocate workforce.

“Vanderheyden is proud to have been chosen to expand Peer Advocate training in New York State. Peer Advocates play a critical role in bringing behavioral and mental health services to underserved communities,” says Karen Carpenter, President & CEO of Vanderheyden.

Chinese Community Center has been a key link for providing these services to the Chinese and Asian

American Pacific Islander communities within and around the Capital Region. Chinese Community Center promotes the training through creative outreach, including through bubble tea get-togethers and Chinese calligraphy events.

“This initiative creates meaningful opportunities for CCC and the broader AAPI community in the Capital Region to expand culturally responsive peer advocacy and connection, ensuring youth and families feel supported, empowered, and not alone in navigating mental health challenges. We truly appreciate Vandenhyden’s partnership and support,” says Yunxiao Zhang, President of Chinese Community Center.

Peer Advocates receive stipends for completing each of three levels of training, totaling up to $2,250.