Prosumers International
About Prosumers International
Prosumers International gives people facing mental health and other life challenges something practical to hold onto, whether that is a support group, a recovery class, or a place to hear encouragement on the radio. Based in San Antonio and rooted in peer leadership, it helps people build recovery, resilience, and self-direction without losing sight of the real world they are trying to navigate. For donors, the appeal is simple: this is support shaped by people who know the terrain firsthand, and it reaches people through meetings, training, media, and printed information.
What sets Prosumers International apart is that it is peer run and peer driven, so lived experience is not an accessory here, it is the engine. That shows up in everything from Focus for Life® to the 24/7 radio station and the newsletter, all aimed at helping people move with more confidence and self-direction.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Peer support meetings and support groups
Monthly meetings and discussion groups for people in Texas, including virtual meetings, local chapters, general support calls, and Spanish-language support.
Focus for Life®
A peer-led course developed in partnership by Janet Paleo and Anna H. Gray that helps people find a pathway to recovery and wellness.
Self Advocacy Training
A self-paced online course that teaches rights in the public mental health system, assertiveness tips, and how to navigate the system.
Advocacy for Others
A self-paced online course on how to advocate for other people effectively and responsibly.
Basic Systemic Advocacy
A self-paced online course on Texas's legislative system and how to communicate effectively with it.
Advanced Systemic Advocacy
A self-paced online course on testifying, working with legislators, and changing policies.
Peer Ethics Training
Continuing education on peer ethics, boundaries, integrity, hope, mutuality, and confidentiality.
Peer Professional Identity Training
Training that supports peer specialists in developing professionalism, role clarity, leadership, and a stronger professional identity.
Peer Program Development
Consulting and training on how to set up a peer program, including ethics, national practice guidelines, and peer workforce guidance.
Peer Program Integration
Customized support for organizations that want to integrate a peer workforce into systems of care.
Intentional Facilitation
A facilitation course focused on leading groups through questioning, listening, and helping participants learn from themselves.
Intentional Peer Support
A five-day training based on Intentional Peer Support developed by Shery Mead and Chris Hanson.
Personal Medicine Coach
A training program offered by Prosumers that prepares participants to coach personal medicine practices.
Recovery 101
An introductory course for people new to the system that covers rights, how things work, and how to work with a team.
Peer specialist training and certification preparation
Training and webinars that explain what it takes to become certified as a peer specialist in Texas.
Digital Learning, Windows Computer Series
In-person classes that teach people how to use a Windows computer, from email to Zoom calls.
Wellness and life-skills classes
Classes and activities including WOOP, journaling, mindfulness activities, Wellness in Motion, GED tutoring, and laughing yoga.
Prosumers empowerment radio
An online station available 24/7 with songs chosen for positive 'I' statements.
Prosumers News
A newsletter with articles, upcoming events, news, and helpful information.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
To empower all people to transcend adverse life experiences.
Who they serve
People with mental health and/or substance use issues, peers, family partners, and others facing adverse life experiences.
Their impact
- Over 79 monthly empowerment meetings were attended by more than 1,200 people.
- Prosumers empowerment radio reached over 8,000 listeners.
- More than 23,000 copies of Prosumers News were distributed.
How your donation helps
- Peer Support services and programs
- The ongoing work of Prosumers
Our story
Prosumers International began in 1999 as a peer-run organization shaped by lived experience in mental health recovery. In 2003, Janet Paleo and Anna H. Gray developed Focus for Life®, a peer-led course created to help people find a pathway to recovery and wellness.
Need help?
How someone in need can access Prosumers International’s services.
People can join meetings by phone at 1-346-248-7799 and entering the meeting ID for the group, or by using the internet connection link provided for each meeting. Some groups are offered in person, some are virtual, and some are bilingual.
Stories
The people behind the work.
In their words
As a result of this training I will be living my life and not letting other people decide my life.
This course has been one of the most empowering class I have attended.
You gave me a reward, my hope!
I found me again!! I hope to keep me!!
Events
Virtual Prosumer Meeting
monthly, first TuesdayA monthly general Prosumer group with discussion topics chosen by participants.
San Antonio Prosumer Meeting
monthly, third FridayA monthly meeting for the San Antonio Prosumer community.
Houston Prosumer Meeting
monthly, second SaturdayA monthly meeting for the Houston Prosumer community.
North Texas Prosumer Meeting
monthly, first TuesdayA monthly meeting for the North Texas and Virtual Prosumers community.
Rio Grande Valley Prosumer Meeting
monthly, first FridayA bilingual monthly meeting for the Rio Grande Valley community.
Recognition & press
Awards & recognition
- Provider approval by the TCB Standards Committee, Provider No. 2074-21 and Provider No. 2085-21
In the media
- The Monitor, "New mental health prevention service arrives in RGV this fall"
Partners & funders
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
How do I join a Prosumer meeting?
You can join by phone at 1-346-248-7799 and enter the meeting ID for the group, or use the internet link shared for the meeting you want to attend.
What is Focus for Life®?
Focus for Life® is a peer-led course developed by Janet Paleo and Anna H. Gray that helps people find their pathway to recovery and wellness.
Are the self-advocacy courses free?
Yes. The self-paced Self Advocacy Training, Advocacy for Others, Basic Systemic Advocacy, and Advanced Systemic Advocacy courses are offered free, and some include CEUs for peer certification.
What kinds of support groups does Prosumers offer?
It offers a general virtual Prosumer meeting, local monthly meetings, a Let’s Talk support call, and a Spanish-language support group.
Similar nonprofits
Other centers to support the independence of specific populations nonprofits in TX.