NE Portland
Free To Be Me
Peer Connection Center
Hours of operation:
Mon, Wed, Thurs 10:00am - 1:00pm
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+ community outings, please see calendar
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Address:
4837 NE Couch Street
Portland, OR 97213
landline: 503-206-5370
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Oregon City
+ Rural Outreach
Peer Connection Center
Hours of operation:
Tues: 10:00am - 1:00pm
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+ community outings and rural Oregon meet-ups - please see our calendar
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Address:
710 6th St
Oregon City, OR
ONLINE SUPPORT GROUPS
ZOOM Link : https://us06web.zoom.us/j/94662476019
FolkTime Peer Connection Centers are free, member-based programs. Free To Be Me is our original program and one of the oldest peer-run programs in Oregon, founded in 1985. It is located in Northeast Portland.​
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FolkTime offers an opportunity for independent adults with lived experience of mental health challenges or co-occurring substance use and mental health conditions to come together and create a supportive and safe atmosphere for each other. Participants in our programs have built a community where they can openly discuss daily challenges, share coping skills, nurture friendships, reduce isolation, and find the support they need.
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Members are the primary leaders of all the activities offered, providing a training ground for leadership within the mental health peer community. Our Member Peer Advisory Council meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month and helps guide programming at our Peer Connection Centers.
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As a peer-run program, our model is based on mutual support rather than caregiving. Our peer support specialists foster a welcoming space and coordinate program logistics but do not provide services such as medication management, mobility assistance, or one-on-one supervision. Because our centers are designed for self-directed participation, members must be able to engage independently, initiate their own involvement, and complete a short orientation. Orientations can be scheduled on the 2nd and 3rd Wednesdays of the month. Please email peerconnection@folktime.org.
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Our Peer Connection Centers differ from day care facilities. They are designed for adults who seek mental health peer support and community, rather than a structured care environment. Participation is voluntary and self-directed, and attendees are responsible for their own engagement in activities and interactions.
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While FolkTime welcomes individuals with a range of experiences and needs, our peer connection model is specifically designed for those navigating mental health challenges. That lived experience is a requirement for participation, but we do not require a specific mental health diagnosis, and we recognize that mental health experiences often occur outside of clinical environments. We encourage anyone interested in our programs to reach out to see if our community is the right fit.
The positive impact:
75% of our members reduced their use of mental health services including:
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73% reported reducing the need for hospitalization
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57% reporting decreased utilization of the ER
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45% reporting less involvement with Police
Program Requirements
There is no referral needed for FolkTime Peer Connection Centers which are available to anyone looking for a community. Our services are completely free. Since these are drop-in programs, we ask that all people interested agree to these four criteria.
FolkTime members are asked to:
1. Self-identify as having lived experience with mental health challenges or substance use.
2. Be 18 years old or older
3. Be actively seeking and embodying recovery to a point where they feel comfortable and safe participating in group activities and can be together with their peers in a positive and hopeful way.
4. Be independent in their personal care and daily living needs. Care-giving services are not provided at FolkTime. This includes: bathroom support, mobility support, support during meals, managing physical or emotional safety, medication management, or transportation.
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To provide a safe and supportive community, we accept members who have:
• A desire to participate in a community focused on recovery
• The ability to be with others in a positive way that promotes mutual benefit
• The ability to accept all people, personalities, and walks of life
FolkTime Peer Connection Centers are judgement free. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion.
How Much does it cost?
There is no cost for membership to FolkTime Peer Connection Centers.
Members are asked to donate $1 toward lunch if they are able.
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FolkTimes financial support comes from many community sources and reflects our grassroots affiliations. We receive support from individuals, partnerships, special fundraising events, and community grants. We welcome and encourage your financial support of this worthwhile program.
Get in Touch
To get in touch with our Peer Connection Center team, fill out our contact form!