PEER Project

The P.E.E.R. (Pennsylvania Empowered Expert Residents) Project was instituted at the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center in April 2005.

P.E.E.R. serves as a problem solver for the residents who live at the Center. Members work from inside the facility to enhance the quality of care and quality of life for those who call Gino Merli home. The P.E.E R. Group generally assigns one member as a spokesperson for the group. Members meet once a month where only residents -- no staff -- participate. This is done to encourage free dialog among the residents.

GMVC PEER Group from left to right--1st row: Tom Kenna, Jean Roseart; 2nd row: Lou Ross, All Vennick, John Brady, John Gilbus; 3rd row: Carl Weinschenk (Commandant), Sylvia Kolosinski (Omnbudsman), Patricia Cocoran (Omnbudsman), Chester Zackoski, Mike Rapp (Activities Staff),
Ron Grabowski (Activities Staff)

Participating residents receive five weeks of two-hour training sessions that are conducted by the Ombudsman. Our members hold the distinction of winning the 2005 P.E.E.R. Group of the Year, the first time the award ever went to a State Veterans’ facility.

P.E.E.R. sponsored activities include:

Welcome new residents with a small gift bag
Send get-well cards to residents when they are in the hospital
Food collection for the local food kitchen
Christmas Angel Tree with a collection of new toys for the needy children in Scranton
Holiday decorating contest among the units at the facility
Hat and glove drive for homeless men
Toiletry drive for the women’s resource center

Three important reasons the P.E.E.R. is a success at the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center:

Staff interaction, which supplies motivation and encouragement
Residents who are willing to accept the training and the opportunity to help their fellow residents
Commandant’s support of the program. His willingness to listen and assist in helping make the P.E.E.R. Program a success in all their ventures