Orlando, Florida – A new peer respite center has opened in Orlando and is accepting guests for free.
The center is called Eva’s Casita, and it’s a non-clinical space where people experiencing mental health issues can find respite and receive support.
This is a program that grew out of the peer support space.
The program is named in honor of the organization’s founding president, Eva Fajardo, who passed away this year before the center officially opened.
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“Eva is the person we hired as our therapist’s therapist. She was the one who counselled the helpers after the Pulse tragedy,” said Yasmin Flasterstein, a staff member at the Peer Respite Centre.
Flasterstein is one of the center’s 24/7 peer support specialists.
All staff at the center are members of the LGBTQ+ community or people of color, she said.
“This place was built for and by the community, so no one understands the cultural nuances and needs of the community better than the community itself,” Flasterstein said. “Our hope is that people will come here and feel recognized.”
The center offers a variety of options for guests to relax, including games, coloring, origami, yoga and journaling.
There are three themed bedrooms, each with a welcome book and curated basket for arriving guests, including color-coded bracelets.
“We have non-verbal communication bracelets. Depending on the color of the person wearing them, the other person can tell [want to] “Whether or not you go out alone depends on whether you want to socialize and share space or not,” Flasterstein said.
The kitchen has a user-friendly table, microwave and sink, which Flasterstein said sends the message to guests that they can be themselves.
Michelle Sanders stayed at the center for the first time last month.
“Before I came here, I was thinking, I don’t know if I’m going to be able to do this summer, I’m so tired, I’m so stressed, I’m so exhausted. [and] It’s been depleted,” Sanders said.
Sanders works full time and goes to school.
The stresses of daily life were weighing on her, and she simply needed a rest.
“When it builds up over weeks and months and years, it’s exhausting,” Sanders said.
Sanders said she felt rejuvenated after her two-day stay and thought the place was unique.
“Where can we have healthy, safe, respectful, intentional interactions? Sometimes it feels like the opportunities for those interactions are really limited,” Sanders said.
Peer supporters are individuals trained to consensually hold space for others without correcting, analyzing or diagnosing.
All activities at the center are volunteer-based, and there are scheduled and ongoing activities, including check-in groups, art, cooking, gardening, resume writing, music, reading, and more.
Open to anyone 18 years of age or older who can abide by the accommodation agreement.
Center staff are not in a supervisory role and guests must have a place to go at the end of their stay.
If you are interested in registering, please click here For more details:
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