What is Peer Support?
Peer Support groups are a place to connect with people who “get it” — people who understand disability life and the day-to-day problem-solving that comes with it. Together, we work on the skills and confidence that make independent living possible, in whatever way you define it. That might mean finding a job, continuing your education, raising a family, voting, building routines at home, or reaching a personal goal that matters most to you.
At WILS, peer support is built into who we are. More than half of our board and staff are people with disabilities. Our team members and volunteers draw on real-life experience — not just training — to help you explore options, work through barriers, learn new skills, and create strategies that fit your life.
Peer Support is always consumer-directed, which means you stay in the driver’s seat. We can meet by phone, in person at any WILS office, or at your home. We’re here to offer encouragement and practical ideas, share wisdom gained through lived experience, and support you as you build self-advocacy, self-determination, and the kind of independence you want — on your terms.
WILS offers the following Disability Support Groups
Schedules are subject to change, please check the calendar page for updates.
WILS Acrylic Painting Class – Peer Support Group
Meets at WILS Office every Friday.
The National Federation of the Blind, Old Drum Chapter
Meets at WILS Warrensburg Office on the 3rd Thursday of the Month. For more information about the National Federation of the Blind, visit: nfbmo.org
Peer Support Benefits
- 94.4% of the individuals who participated in WILS peer support were satisfied with the peer support services they received
- 100% stated they gained knowledge, skill and/or independence from the peer support services they received
- 100% indicated the service made a positive change in their life
- “I loved it, I looked forward to it every month.”
- “I am in 3 online groups. In person groups are very difficult for me because I have very bad social anxiety. The make me feel like I am not alone.”
- “Gives you a chance to get outside and mingle with other people.”
- “Took a little pressure off of me.”
- “I love going to the craft workshops WILS provides.’
- “It made me feel like I could do something by myself, that I didn’t have to have help.”