Staying the Course: Randell Bradford becomes a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist.

We are happy to share that Dee’s Place Peer Recovery Specialist, Randell Bradford EL, passed his test to become a State of Maryland Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS).

Randell reflected on his journey with Dee’s Place and his work toward becoming a certified peer. He shared,

I entered Dee’s Place just about 18 months ago. I was in a program called BeAble Recovery Housing. One morning, I was introduced to Dwayne Bruce who asked me, “what do you want to do with yourself?” I answered him by saying I wanted to be a Peer Recovery Coach. He did an intake with me and asked me if I was really willing to do the work. He engaged with me, took down my information, and was able to get me into the upcoming cohort for Peer Recovery classes with 3C Recovery Coach Academy.

I took the opportunity very seriously beginning classes and also becoming a volunteer at Dee’s Place after I got out of my groups at BeAble Recovery. I understood that, along with the CEU’s I was earning from my classes, I would also need 500 hours of work/volunteer experience in the field of substance abuse before I could become a Certified Peer. I also needed 25 hours of training with a CPRS/RPS trainer. Dwayne was able to do the additional training that I needed in order to take the exam and become a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist.

The beauty of Dee’s Place is that I was able to get all of the things necessary to become a CPRS at the same place. For example, after I finished my training, the state asked me for the 500 hours I volunteered. Fortunately, I was able to volunteer over 500 hours under the direction of Mr. Bruce right at Dee’s Place.

Dee’s Place hired me as a CPRS in training in April of 2023 prior to me taking the exam. Earlier this summer I took my exam and passed on the first attempt. I can’t tell you how it felt to pass that exam. What I can say is that, from the beginning, I had faith in Dwayne Bruce and his vision for assisting future CPRS’s. So I stayed the course. I’m glad I followed his process from beginning to end and I’m proud to be a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist at Dee’s Place.

We are proud of Randell and celebrate him for his accomplishment and continued growth, as he continues to inspire and assist others in recovery. Congratulations, Randell!