Peer Work Pulse is our monthly newsletter connecting peers, supervisors, instructors, and employers across Texas. Subscribe today!
Past Issues
Issue # 4
(Released June 16, 2026)
Explore the launch of our Peer Perspectives blog and Peer Workforce Resource Hub, celebrate Laura Crawford in this month's Remote Reach and Mark Rodriguez in our Workforce Spotlight, and discover upcoming training cohorts, continuing education, and peer workforce updates.
Issue # 3
(Released May 12, 2026)
Celebrate the launch of the Peer Workforce Jobs Board, meet Laura Vasquez (PeerHubTX) in our Workforce Spotlight, and explore continuing education opportunities, community resources, and career updates.
Issue # 2
(Released April 10, 2026)
Meet MercyMe2 Transitional Services in this month's Workforce Spotlight, explore the new Resource Hub, and find upcoming trainings, applications, and continuing education opportunities.
Issue # 1
(Released January 12, 2026)
Discover the launch of the Peer-to-Career program, review the Peer-to-Career Needs Assessment, and get to know the team behind the work while previewing new features like Workforce Spotlight and Remote Reach.
Workforce Spotlights
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Mark Rodriguez, MHPS, is part of the CorazonSA team in San Antonio, Texas. After beginning his recovery journey in 2023, Mark felt called to deepen his spiritual connection and began volunteering with CorazonSA, formerly Corazon Ministries, in 2024. His commitment and heart for service eventually led him to become a full-time employee in April 2025.
Today, Mark serves as a Harm Reductionist, spending much of his time doing street outreach alongside the CorazonSA team. Their outreach includes providing food, clothing, safer sex supplies, safe injection and wound care kits, and connections to resources for substance misuse treatment, detox, health insurance, and STD/STI education. The team is also joined by a mobile medical unit, helping individuals access care and learn how to advocate for themselves during hospital and clinic visits.
What makes Mark stand out is his unwavering dedication to meeting people where they are, both physically and emotionally. Whether he is supporting unhoused neighbors, helping someone take a step toward treatment, encouraging someone in early recovery, or simply listening without judgment, Mark shows up with empathy, authenticity, and compassion. His work is more than a job; it is a calling rooted in service and genuine care for others.
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Since 2021, Laura Vasquez has served as the first point of contact for many people joining the peer workforce. As the primary customer service representative for PeerForce.org (now called “PeerHubTX”), Laura has impacted the careers of over 1,000 individuals in Texas. She’s helped peers identify career pathways, connected people to training and services, and served as a peer specialist to peer specialists in Texas as they navigate important career choices.
In 2026, PeerForce.org was migrated to a new consolidated website and rebranded as PeerHubTX, and Laura has continued to support partners and potential peers through the new processes and structures. If you polled a room of peers, chances are high that there would be at least a few people whom Laura has directly impacted. She’s a gift to the peer workforce in Texas!
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This month, we’re highlighting MercyMe2, based in Dallas, Texas for their work supporting individuals in recovery through structured programming and community-based services.
Founded by Kamsha Ward, a Mental Health Peer Specialist and person in long-term recovery, MercyMe2 reflects the power of lived experience in creating pathways to stability and connection.
Remote Reach
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Laura Crawford’s recovery journey began in Carthage, Texas, a small rural East Texas community where support for substance use recovery was limited. After facing significant hardship, including temporarily losing custody of her children, Laura sought help through local systems and churches but found few resources available.
When Laura was eventually able to access support and begin her recovery, she made a commitment that no one else in her community would have to face those same barriers alone. She became a Recovery Support Peer Specialist and founded Be a Light Rehabilitation Service, transforming an old building near the Carthage city square into a safe and welcoming space for support, connection, and hope.
Through Be a Light, Laura provides peer support groups, court and CPS education classes, transportation to treatment, diaper donations for mothers and infants, and direct fundraising support to help people access needed care. Most recently, she expanded her work by opening a female sober living home for women in early recovery.
Built entirely from the ground up without grant funding, Be a Light reflects Laura’s grit, compassion, and deep commitment to her community. Her story continues to reduce stigma and bring hope to Carthage and beyond.
