Serenity Steps I find is not a good, supportive place for people with mental illness to attend. They do try their best, and yet at the same time the people in charge or who run Serenity Steps and Alternitive Life Centers in North Conway and Colebrook. Ellen Tavino(Serenity Steps, Berlin, Nh) and Pat Tal(Alteritive Life Center, North Conway, Nh.). I understand it's considered Peer Support and not only the members have mental illness, the staff also have thier problems, that's why it's peer support. This said, when there are issues with members with other members, members with staff members, or staff members with other staff members. If there is a verbal or written complaint, then it should be handled or taken care of appropriatly, with dignity and respect for all involved. There should be no sides taken, or who is favorits. Every one is or should be equal. Although staff members have issues/problems, and they are peer support. There is also a certian standard I think staff needs to conduct or handle themselves. They should not get up or repeat to other members, especailly if it upsets other members, staff or others going in too. When a staff member is speaking about serious problems in their life, I don't think the staff member or staff members should both be let go, fired or terminated or for things to be hadle unfair or let go by as little. There should be a policy for the staff member that is having a hard time, to be able to take time and regroup. And still have a job!!!!

I've been a member of Serenity Steps since 2004 & I worked as a staff member for a total of 4 years. They are open Monday thru Friday 11am to 4pm. On Thursdays & Fridays from 11am to 7pm. On Fridays there is a communal evening meal where members can share food and conversation. Members can also help prepare the meal and/or help with clean up after the meal. Everyday they have a voluntary one hour group where members can learn a variety of coping skills. We can choose to participate, or if we want, we can "pass". The main function of Serenity Steps is to provide "Peer Support" for people with mental health issues. I am not ashamed to admit that I fall into that category. Before I "discovered" Serenity Steps I had never heard of the term "Peer Support" for mental illness. I am so glad that I did happen to find Serenity Steps while walking down Main Street in Berlin, NH back in 2004. I entered their doors and discovered that I was not alone. There were others like me. Others who could share their experiences with me. And others with whom I could share my experiences. And they taught me that there were ways to help me understand and cope with my issues. There were actually things I could do to recognize and deal with problems before they got worse. And best of all was that thing called "Peer Support"! Not only could I find help there, but I could use my knowledge and experience to help others. I recommend Serenity Steps to anyone! Two thumbs up!