Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Colleen Chawla, Chief, San Mateo County Health
Jei Africa, Director, Behavioral Health and Recovery Services
Subject: Agreement with Peninsula Family Service for Older Adult Peer Counseling Services
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing an agreement with Peninsula Family Service to provide older adult peer counseling services for the term of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, in an amount not to exceed $395,249.
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BACKGROUND:
In September 2023, Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) released a Request for Proposals (RFP) to select a provider for the operation and expansion of the Older Adult Peer Counseling (OAPC) services, formerly known as the Senior Peer Counseling services. The anticipated duration of the agreement was for three years, with an option to renew for an additional two years. Peninsula Family Service (PFS) was recommended to this Board of Supervisors through the RFP process to provide these services. This entity was chosen for their expertise in providing comprehensive community-based support services for older adults, with a focus on mental health, peer counseling, and reducing social isolation.
PFS has provided OAPC services since 2008. Their program provides ongoing emotional support and companionship to diverse community members aged 55 and older. They have trained volunteer peer counselors that deliver one-on-one or group support to assist participants in navigating life transitions, including health challenges, mobility changes, caregiving responsibilities, and grief. A defining feature of the program is the intentional matching of participants with counselors who share similar life experiences and perspectives, strengthening trust, engagement, and program effectiveness.
DISCUSSION:
PFS' OAPC program provides bilingual/multicultural older adult peer counseling services, targeting the Cou...
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