Calvin Fahnestock, CJ, graduated from the first Peer Support Specialist Apprenticeship Cohort at Valeo Vocation. Now he is a mentor for the program, has been promoted to Facilities Manager, and is continuing his education.
Valeo Vocation in Tacoma, Washington, has partnered with us since 2022 on the first Peer Apprenticeship Cohort. They also partner with us for the Substance Use Disorder Professional Apprenticeship. The Peer Support Specialist Apprenticeship program highlights the impact of stories and creating communities of support.
CJ had been experiencing homelessness for seven years and struggling with drug addiction when he began his own recovery journey. Tacoma Rescue Mission’s search and rescue team made contact with CJ at the end of a trailhead he had been living at for several years. They offered him essentials and shared the New Life Recovery program as a resource. He thought “Anything will help, right? I want to get my life back.” The next day he went to the mission and joined the one-year recovery program.
After putting in effort to change, he returned to doing electrical work, a job he used to love, but he started feeling stagnant. Looking for more fulfillment, he moved back to Tacoma, his hometown. That is when he found an opportunity to work for Valeo Vocation, a non-profit geared towards ending homelessness and drug addiction through barrier reduction.
“I chose to pursue a career in behavioral health because I wanted to help others through their journey of recovery. I personally understand what it feels like to not know what resources are available, or to feel fearful about taking that first step into recovery. My goal was to become a bridge for people who needed encouragement and guidance during that critical moment of decision.”
Shortly after starting his position, he was recommended for the apprenticeship program. The Peer Support Specialist Apprenticeship is an earn-while-you-learn program that consists of coursework with college credits and on-the-job training. CJ was nervous about going through the apprenticeship because it included college coursework.
“I never graduated high school. I never attended college classes. I got my GED years ago when I was just getting out of prison. I was really nervous going into the apprenticeship. But everybody just came together and was super encouraging, and it made me want to put in the effort to be the best version that I could be. The apprenticeship program, my cohort peers, and my teacher all played a major role in helping me succeed by offering encouragement, accountability, and direction.”
CJ believes the positive community created through the apprenticeship cohort model made it possible for him to succeed. He values having a growth mindset and says going through the program with others also striving to be their best made the coursework and apprenticeship more meaningful.
“The apprenticeship gave me both the courage and the tools to advocate for myself, to seek growth, and to aim higher than I ever imagined possible. This program can do the same for anyone willing to step forward. The skills, encouragement, and confidence you gain will not only change your own life but also allow you to impact the lives of others.”
CJ completed the apprenticeship program and became a Certified Peer Counselor in August 2024, but he has continued to strive to learn more and support others. He is pursuing further education in project management and is working as the Facilities Manager at Valeo Vocation. He shares, “What drives me to pursue project management is knowing that I can help people stay in a safe place and help build a positive community.” CJ is also now a mentor to his first mentee, Lanae Seaworth, who is in the fourth Peer Support Specialist cohort.
“When my organization invited me to become a mentor, they supported me every step of the way. That encouragement gave me the confidence to say yes. I really enjoy being a mentor because I’m an uplifter. I am an encourager, and I like guiding people in a positive way. Being a mentor to Lanae has been huge not just for her growth, but mine as well.
My perspective has broadened—not only do I support people in their recovery, but I also mentor peers as they work toward becoming peer specialists themselves. Today, my role extends beyond helping individuals pursue sobriety; I also help guide others in their professional journeys. This shift has been deeply rewarding.”
This is just the beginning for CJ as he continues to learn how to be his best self. He has found stability and purpose. He was recently married and received custody of one of his children.
“I couldn’t be in a better place today. I live in a beautiful home, and I get to go to work and serve people every day. I give a big part of the success that I’m going through right now, to the success I was able to achieve during the apprenticeship.”
