"This program was a very safe place to be. I looked forward to being here, and the staff were easy to communicate with and relate to."
"I lost my soul in the sex trade, but when I came to PEERS I found my spirit"
"PEERS saved my life, theres no doubt about. They likely saved my daughter's as well."
"The staff at PEERS showed me friendliness and kindness. I appreciate this intensely and will be forever filled with gratitude. Thank you all!"
"You can actually trust these guys, they're not judging you and they understand the reality of it all. Hustle and PEERS Vancouver are my lifeline"
"The best part of life-skills was learning to improve my self-esteem".
"My life is so much better now, I don't where I would be if I hadn't gone to PEERS"
"I feel like I'm finally in charge of my own life, no ones controlling me anymore. I am so much morre confident, PEERS introduced me to myself."
"I've tried exiting numerous times with no sucess. PEERS provided the structure and space I needed.
PEERS Vancouver is a non profit society established by ex-sex workers and community supporters. We are dedicated to the empowerment, education and support of sex workers through public education, awareness and training and programming that provides individuals with options to transition into healthier lifestlyes.
helping sex workers transition into healthier lifestyles since 2001
About Us
For close to a decade Peers Vancouver has assisted current and former sex workers to successfully transition into healthier lifestyles.
Our dedicated and largely experiential staff supports clients to facilitate change in a number of ways.
PEERS Vancouver offers a bridging employment program called ELEMENTS which teaches life and employability skills, while focusing on strengths, addressing barriers and fostering positive relationships.
One-on-one support services are also available. These services take the form of personal counselling, employment counselling, resume development, advocacy and referrals to other community services. We focus always on having a client centred approach; always respecting the desires and needs of the individual.
PEERS also has a prevention and early intervention component which consists of community education and outreach.
Click here to view the PEERS Vancouver HERSTORY and HISTORY
Want to help
PEERS Vancouver?
click here to learn
about our
Volunteer Program
Support
Our support team has been assembled to best serve those seeking to exit the industry. ...more info
If you require support please call us 604.681.3044
(Monday to Friday 9:00am 4:30pm)
HUSTLE
How U Survive This Life Everyday
HUSTLE: MOTM is the male/trans and youth component of PEERS Vancouver offering outreach and support programming in community ...more info
office: 604.684.3032 outreach: 778.868.1776
Public Education
Our expertise are often sought in areas of research, program development and public education.
We offer a unique perspective and learning experience.
To request a consultation please call us at: 604.681.3017 or send an email
Outreach
It is the goal of our outreach team to generate wide spread awareness of the variety of services that PEERS Vancouver offers, and to create a supportive link for sex workers to exiting services. ..more info
You can reach us by emailor call 604.681.3044
We need you, your expertise, your passion and we have alot to give back too. .....more info
Exiting Programs
PEERS exiting programs were created by and for exiting sex workers. Many organizations have duplicated our models of sucess....more info
If you need an exiting program call us 604-681-3044 or send an email
Staff
click to email
Executive Direc tor:~ Ty Mistry
Director of Programs and Services :~ Matthew Taylor
Program Director : Emily Bagnald
Intake/support worker: Kelly Woloshansky
Support Worker/Group Facilitator: Denis Richer
Support Worker/Group Facilitator: Leah Goodwin
Book keeper: Roseanne McKenna
Outreach Worker: Steve Reid
Outreach Worker: Rachel Malek
Relief Outreach Worker: Linnea Clarkson
Board of Directors
Don Presland: Chairman
Shannon Gaudette: Vice Chairman
Richard ODonnell: Director
Laurie Hearty: Director
Jordana Corenblum: Director
Christine Lattey: Director
Philosophy
We at PEERS Vancouver believe in the inherent potential of every person to change their lives for the better .
PEERS Vancouver provides a safe environment and a team of compassionate and understanding professionals who practice a person-centred approach to client care. Clients are treated with the unconditional positive regard which they deserve.
PEERS Vancouver is a safe place to deal with issues surrounding involvement in the sex trade.
We recognize how difficult it can be for a person to exit sex work and transition into a healthier lifestyle and we are there to support clients in that journey.
We at PEERS have an in depth understanding of the complexity of issues which affect current and former sex- workers and are skilled in helping clients cope effectively with these issues.
While at PEERS we spend a great deal of time addressing issues steaming from the past, our main focus is always on maximizing potential in the present and striving for a brighter future.
I had heard about PEERS for years but had never gone inside. I had a girlfriend who used to go and she said the best things about them but I was much more secretive, no one knew I worked. Sadly, what finally nudged me through the door was a very bad date that lasted three days. My only regret, truly, is that I never went sooner.
The first time I walked through the doors I was scared, palms sweaty and shaky I was about to turn around and walk back out the door when a beautiful blonde woman touched my hand and asked me if she could talk to me for a second.
Not knowing what to expect, but feeling somehow calmed by her presence, I allowed her to lead the way. She lead me to an office, tastefully painted and warmly lit. I sat down on the chair she gestured to as she pulled hers close to mine.
“I’ve only been out a year you know”, she said. “I know how hard it is to come here, I know how scared you are but I promise you you’re going to be ok, the hardest part is behind you”. I was crying before she finished.
She went on to tell me she’d began working in Calgary, so had I. She hadn’t had a pimp since then. Neither had I. She’d never been addicted to drugs, nor had I. She had a daughter. So did I. The similarities kept raining down and by the time she finished her story I had already begun mine.
I’d never told anyone my story, ever and once I started I couldn’t stop. The sadness, the fear, the anger it all just gushed out of me and when I was finished I felt weak, even sad but I also felt another feeling I had never felt before. I felt hope. I knew I could do what this woman had done. Somehow I just knew I could too.
I enrolled in every program PEERS had and when I forgot why I was there or thought I was too good for all this my beautiful blonde facilitator would knowingly reach out to me. "Just fill the chair”, she would say, “let me do the rest”.
PEERS saved my life, there’s no doubt about it. They likely saved my daughters as well. I don’t know what your circumstances are and I hope they’re much better than mine were. But if you feel alone, like there’s nowhere to go and no one’s who’ll understand I want you to know you're wrong. There’s a place for us.
Alhough PEERS focuses primarily on exiting and transitioning from sex work, we recognize that for many sex work is a viable option for now. What truly is most important to us is your safety, health and wellness. Here you will find resources just for you, to help you work safer, smarter and with less isolation.
May they never occor. But if someone does mistreat or harm you please report it. Your courage may save another from the same misfortune.
You can report bad dates online to WISH using this form Click Here to view form
WISH then compiles the reports and distributes bad date sheets to the Vancouver community including womens organizations and police.
Likely the definative guide to safety in sex work, the Trade Secrets Community developed this guide with the help of experts in the field of sex industry health and safety (workers and business owners), as well as non-industry legal and health
The Community Group is made up of thirteen sex industry workers who span the adult industry, and includes the voices of street-based workers, trans individuals, hustlers, webcam workers, adult film performers and producers, exotic dancers, escorts, bdsm and fetish workers, and more. Enter Here
Click to view a list of resources created by the Trade Secrets Community that sex industry community members can access for health, safety, dignity and when they have been the victim of or charged with a crime.
Chat live with other workers, staff and members of PEERS Vancouver. Our online chat room is not moderated and no sign up is required please use responsibly click here to enter
General Supports
Such as:
-bus tickets/passes
-gift certificates to grocery & drug stores
-new computers
-cell phones
-lightly used furniture (and moving services)
-new make-up and hair & skin care products
Idividual Aid
Sponsorship can include:
-tuition and books
-employment
-vehicle
-room and board while attending programs
memberships (such as the YWCA)
-transformation funding (for new hair&clothing to secure employment)
Organizational Support
-core funding
-scholarship program
-grant writing/fundraising
-exchange program with other organizers
-endowment mentorship
Program Funding
-exiting programs
-enhanced employment assistance service
-part-time jobs for exiting members to recieve on the job training and references
-counselling and alternative therapies such as art therapy
-wellness programs aimed at physical and emotional health
