Peer-Run Respites

Maximum points available for this section: 25

Applicants must describe how the program purpose and requirements will be met by:

• Addressing the needs of the population(s) of focus.

• Applying the applicant's approach or philosophy toward the issue(s) this funding opportunity seeks to address.

• Explaining the proposed peer-run respite model and philosophy.

• Promoting recovery-oriented peer recovery support.

• Addressing warmline and guest access and any barriers, including transportation, where relevant.

• Planning for services and activities available to warmline callers and guests.

• Creating a welcoming and safe environment.

• Serving warmline callers and guests from multiple surrounding counties.

Maximum points available for this section: 20

The capacity to do the work and meet the program requirements is different from the experience doing the work.

Applicants must describe their capacity to implement the program design, including:

• New or existing staff positions that will work under this grant and the anticipated number of hours per week for each position.
• The recruitment process and the anticipated timeline if hiring new positions.
• A plan to maintain 24/7 operations during staff vacancies, absences, or turnover, including how coverage will be ensured for respite and warmline services.
• The supervision structure for staff, including who will provide supervision, their role within the organization, and how supervision will support staff in delivering peer services.
• Resources or partnerships and their role in ensuring success of this program.

If subcontractor(s) will be used to perform activities to achieve program goals, describe:

• Extent of the relationship.
• How the subcontractor(s) capacity supports program implementation.
• Roles, responsibilities, and expectations of the subcontractor(s).
• Experience managing and monitoring subcontractor(s).

Maximum points available for this section: 20

Applicants must describe their experience and knowledge:

• Operating peer-run programs.
• Providing peer services, conducting activities, or fulfilling requirements.
• Providing warmline or phone-based peer support services.
• Hiring and supervising peer recovery support staff.
• Building relationships with or working with individuals with mental health, substance use, or co-occurring challenges.
• Developing partnerships with community providers.
• Collecting and using data or other information to determine if efforts had an impact.

If you use subcontractors, describe their experience and knowledge:

• Providing services, conducting activities, or fulfilling requirements.
• Building relationships with or working with the population(s) of focus or similar population(s).
• Collecting and using data or other information to assess program impact.
• Hiring and supervising staff with specialized knowledge or licensure.

Applicants must describe the relevant training and professional development staff and subcontracted staff (if applicable) will receive over the anticipated total funding period.

Maximum points available for this section: 30

For each priority, describe the:

• Objectives: Measurable and time-bound efforts to achieve priority
• Activities: Specific steps you will take to meet the objectives
• Timelines: When you anticipate starting and finishing each activity
• Measurable impact: How you measure or demonstrate a desirable outcome is being achieved for the priority (for example, data source(s) or measurements that will be used, surveys of clientele, etc.)

Applicants must develop a plan that aligns with the priorities outlined in this section. The priorities represent key outcomes that peer-run respites will work toward during the five-year grant period.

Required response structure:

• For each priority, applicants must select one objective.
• For each selected objective, applicants must provide two activities.
• Each activity must include a timeline and measurable impact.

Maximum points available for priority one: 8

Provide recovery-oriented peer recovery support services that promote hope, wellness, and self-determination for warmline callers and guests.

Objectives (select one)

• Provide individual peer recovery support to warmline callers and guests during their stay.
• Facilitate peer-led discussions, recovery groups, or wellness activities.
• Support guests in identifying personal recovery or wellness goals.
• Promote mutual support, choice, and self-direction among warmline callers and guests.
• Connect warmline callers and guests to recovery supports and community resources.

Maximum points available for priority two: 8

Provide a safe, welcoming, and accessible residential environment that supports recovery and stabilization.

Objectives (select one)

• Maintain a home-like and welcoming respite environment.
• Ensure adequate staffing coverage for warmline services and while guests are present.
• Implement trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices.
• Maintain clear guest policies and safety procedures.
• Ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

Maximum points available for priority three: 7

Establish and maintain partnerships that support access to the warmline and respite services and connect callers and guests to ongoing community support.

Objectives (select one)

• Develop referral relationships with crisis services.
• Collaborate with mental health and substance use disorder providers.
• Partner with peer support and recovery organizations.
• Coordinate with hospitals, emergency departments, and other community programs.
• Support warmline callers and guests in connecting to services and resources following their stay.

Maximum points available for priority four: 7

Build organizational capacity to sustain and strengthen the peer-run respite program during and beyond the grant period.

Objectives (select one)

• Recruit, train, and retain peer staff.
• Strengthen peer leadership within the organization.
• Develop partnerships that support long-term program stability.
• Pursue additional funding or community resources to sustain services.
• Use warmline feedback, guest feedback, staff input, and program data to improve operations and services over time.
• Maintain staff continuity during turnover or vacancies.

Maximum points available for this section: 5

The following documents must be submitted with the narrative response. These documents do not count toward the narrative response page limit.

• IRS Form W-9 .
• DCTS Summary Line Item Budget, F-01601 (Excel) outlining the costs for the first year.
• Position description for each position directly involved with this program.
• Peer board member attestation verifying that at least 51% of the organization’s governing board members identify as peers. Disclosure of a medical diagnosis or personal health information is not required.
  • Each board member identified as a peer must sign and date an attestation confirming they:
    • Serve as a member of the organization’s governing board.
    • Identify as a peer with lived experience related to mental health, substance use or co-occurring recovery.
  • The attestation must include:
    • The total number of board members.
    • The number of board members who identify as peers.
    • The name and role of each peer board member.