A Safe Place
We are your peers, and we know what it’s like.
We know what it’s like for people to question our drinking or drug use. What it’s like to question ourselves, to feel angry, confused, scared or ashamed.
We also know what it’s like to make a change, to regain our health and peace of mind. You are not alone, and we’re here to talk. Confidentially or anonymously. Contact us today.
You can also search for a treatment facility.
We know what it’s like for people to question our drinking or drug use. What it’s like to question ourselves, to feel angry, confused, scared or ashamed.
We also know what it’s like to make a change, to regain our health and peace of mind. You are not alone, and we’re here to talk. Confidentially or anonymously. Contact us today.
You can also search for a treatment facility.
If You Call Us
We will not tell you what you “need” to do. We will not judge or lecture you. Instead, we will listen — respectfully, privately, you don’t even have to give us your name if you don’t want to. Then, if you’re interested, we will give you the benefit of our experience as recovering peers. We will answer your questions to the best of our ability, provide you with information about resources and other avenues of support. But we will not share anything you say outside this program. We won’t even give your name to other Peer Volunteers unless you give us permission.
If you decide on treatment, we can help with that, too. We know which programs are covered under the company’s health care plans. We know about the Employee Assistance Program, how they can help IF you’d like. We also know how sick leave works, and if you need time off from work, what you need and don’t need to tell your supervisor.
Most of all, we offer friendship and support. We are Peer Volunteers who simply want to help. Call one of us today.
If you decide on treatment, we can help with that, too. We know which programs are covered under the company’s health care plans. We know about the Employee Assistance Program, how they can help IF you’d like. We also know how sick leave works, and if you need time off from work, what you need and don’t need to tell your supervisor.
Most of all, we offer friendship and support. We are Peer Volunteers who simply want to help. Call one of us today.
FAQs
What is the Peer Volunteer Program?
The Peer Volunteer Program is a collaborative effort between PG&E, the IBEW and ESC. The program was designed to provide an additional way for employees and their families to access help for chemical dependency. Although the program is administered by the Employee Assistance Program, it is completely separate from the EAP and other programs.
Who are the Peer Volunteers?
The Peer Volunteers are PG&E employees who are either in recovery or who have a loved one who is in recovery. They each have at least two years of sobriety, and many Peers have 10+ years clean and sober. The Peers have come together in their sobriety to assist others who also have a desire to become clean and sober. Each Peer has been trained by the Employee Assistance Program and has a working knowledge of the substance abuse treatment facilities in their respective territories and that are also covered by the company’s insurance. The peers are not licensed mental health professionals, but have access to one if needed. They are available by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All have personally experienced the judgment, shame and guilt that come with a drinking or drug problem. They are here to help.
Who is eligible to call a Peer Volunteer?
PG&E employees and their family members (or dependents) are eligible. The services are available to both union-represented and non-union represented employees. You may call a Peer as often or as many times as you like. Most people find it convenient to call a Peer Volunteer who is located in an area close to their home or work. Peer Volunteers are also available to speak with family members who are seeking support in coping with a loved one’s addiction.
Does it cost anything to call?
No, the service is free for PG&E employees and their dependents. The Peer Volunteers are not paid for their efforts, but are allowed to assist others during their work hours.
Is it confidential?
Yes. The Peer Volunteers will not share your information with anyone else without your permission, including other Peers.
How can PG&E management support the Peer Volunteer Program?
PG&E management can support the Peer Volunteer Program by allowing Peer Volunteers to conduct presentations at their tailboard and safety meetings, and by posting Peer Volunteer announcements or posters. They can also encourage qualified employees to volunteer as Peer Volunteers.
The Peer Volunteer Program is a collaborative effort between PG&E, the IBEW and ESC. The program was designed to provide an additional way for employees and their families to access help for chemical dependency. Although the program is administered by the Employee Assistance Program, it is completely separate from the EAP and other programs.
Who are the Peer Volunteers?
The Peer Volunteers are PG&E employees who are either in recovery or who have a loved one who is in recovery. They each have at least two years of sobriety, and many Peers have 10+ years clean and sober. The Peers have come together in their sobriety to assist others who also have a desire to become clean and sober. Each Peer has been trained by the Employee Assistance Program and has a working knowledge of the substance abuse treatment facilities in their respective territories and that are also covered by the company’s insurance. The peers are not licensed mental health professionals, but have access to one if needed. They are available by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All have personally experienced the judgment, shame and guilt that come with a drinking or drug problem. They are here to help.
Who is eligible to call a Peer Volunteer?
PG&E employees and their family members (or dependents) are eligible. The services are available to both union-represented and non-union represented employees. You may call a Peer as often or as many times as you like. Most people find it convenient to call a Peer Volunteer who is located in an area close to their home or work. Peer Volunteers are also available to speak with family members who are seeking support in coping with a loved one’s addiction.
Does it cost anything to call?
No, the service is free for PG&E employees and their dependents. The Peer Volunteers are not paid for their efforts, but are allowed to assist others during their work hours.
Is it confidential?
Yes. The Peer Volunteers will not share your information with anyone else without your permission, including other Peers.
How can PG&E management support the Peer Volunteer Program?
PG&E management can support the Peer Volunteer Program by allowing Peer Volunteers to conduct presentations at their tailboard and safety meetings, and by posting Peer Volunteer announcements or posters. They can also encourage qualified employees to volunteer as Peer Volunteers.
The Partnership
The Peer Volunteer Program is a collaborative Company-Union program of volunteers experienced in alcohol/drug recovery or recovery as a family member of an alcoholic/addict. The Peers make themselves available to Pacific Gas and Electric employees with alcohol/drug problems or employees who have loved ones with alcohol/drug problems. This program provides employees with a resource for help before the problem negatively affects his or her employment.
The program assists employees by providing resources and referrals and/or in obtaining treatment for substance abuse. Peer support is also provided for those recently returned to work from alcohol or drug treatment. The Peer Volunteer Program is offered to employees as an alternative resource to approaching a supervisor or the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) about a problem they may be having with alcohol or drugs.
For complete details regarding the founding and mission of the program, please see:
The program assists employees by providing resources and referrals and/or in obtaining treatment for substance abuse. Peer support is also provided for those recently returned to work from alcohol or drug treatment. The Peer Volunteer Program is offered to employees as an alternative resource to approaching a supervisor or the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) about a problem they may be having with alcohol or drugs.
For complete details regarding the founding and mission of the program, please see:
- PG&E-IBEW Letter Agreement, No. 14-06-PGE
- PG&E-ESC Letter Agreement, No. 14-01-ESC
- Peer Volunteers: Helping PG&E Employees Make the Journey Back to Clean and Sober by Eric Wolfe, IBEW Communications Director
- Page One Article (March 2011)
Questions? Comments? Want to become a Peer?
If you have questions or comments, or wish to explore becoming a Peer Volunteer, please contact:
Gil Acosta, LMFT
PVP Clinical Consultant
gil.acosta@pge.com
530/209-6618 (cell); 530/894-4674 (office)
Heather Holladay
PVP Program Manager
heather.holladay@pge.com; pvp@pge.com
415/973-0290 (office)
Gil Acosta, LMFT
PVP Clinical Consultant
gil.acosta@pge.com
530/209-6618 (cell); 530/894-4674 (office)
Heather Holladay
PVP Program Manager
heather.holladay@pge.com; pvp@pge.com
415/973-0290 (office)
In loving memory of Roger Stalcup
1944-2013
For unfaltering dedication to the Peer Volunteer Program