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How to become a Peer Outreach Worker (POW)

The Ozone House Drop-In Center has been running a unique Peer Outreach Worker (POW) program since it first opened. Whether it’s at an athletic event, in the park, at community centers, in neighborhoods, at the library, or simply on the street, POWs help spread the word about Ozone House services and Drop-In Center events by finding and engaging youth in the community. The POW team meets every Tuesday and Thursday from 4-8 p.m. at the Drop-In Center, and team members are paid a weekly cash stipend.

POWs help Ozone House develop a relationship with youth in the community before they may need our services. By making more than 1,400 contacts in 2007, the POW team helped assure area youth that there is a safe, trustworthy place to find support.

High school aged youth who are interested in becoming POWs must attend a week-long, twenty hour training at the end of September. The training includes detailed information about Ozone House services, community resources, communication and group skills, cultural competency, and teambuilding activities. Each participant who completes the training is eligible for an interview with the Outreach Coordinator and Director of Youth Development.

If you are interested in becoming a POW, you may fill out the Peer Outreach Worker Application and send it to Ravi Ramaswamy. You also must plan to attend the Peer Outreach Worker Institute.