The Peer Volunteer Program is a collaborative effort between PG&E, the IBEW, and ESC. The Peers make themselves available to PG&E employees and their dependents for confidential support for their own alcohol/drug use issue or that of a loved one. The services are available at no cost to both union-represented and non-union represented employees.

Contact a Peer Volunteer

We are PG&E employees in long-term recovery from our own alcohol or drug use disorder or that of a loved one. We are your peers, and we know what it’s like for people to question our drinking or drug use. What it’s like to question ourselves, to feel angry, confused, scared or ashamed.

We also know what it’s like to make a change, to regain our health and peace of mind. You are not alone, and we’re here to talk. Confidentially or anonymously—you don’t even have to give us your name if you don’t want to.

• We have at least two years in recovery.
• We’ve been trained by the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) but remain separate from EAP.
• We’re not licensed mental health professionals but have access to one if needed.
• We’re available by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

We’re here to help. Contact a Peer Volunteer

• We can give you the benefit of our experience as peers in long-term recovery.
• We will not tell you what you “need” to do. We will not judge or lecture you.
• We will listen and offer our friendship and support.
• We will answer your questions and provide you with information, resources, referrals, and other avenues of support. We can even help you get into treatment if that’s what you decide.
• We can support those with an alcohol/drug use issue, those looking for help in coping with a loved one’s alcohol/drug use issue, and those who have recently returned to work from alcohol/drug treatment.

Contact a Peer Volunteer

This Time it Stuck

09/10/2021

Hello, my name is Edward Treadway and I’m an Alcoholic. I started with PG&E in May of 2021.

I started drinking when I was very young. It was accepted practice in my family. Over the years it has ruined many things in my life. Marriages, jobs, being a parent and the list goes on and on. The opportunities I’ve missed because I could not function as a normal person could. I needed to drink to cope with life and my surroundings. Eventually I had pushed everyone from life. I had no coping skills at all.

One day I finally broke and with nowhere to go I found AA, but I didn’t get sober then. I did have some knowledge, but I wasn’t ready to surrender just yet. I thought if I could just get sober for a little while I would be able to control myself better next time. I was so wrong, and my disease got worse and the hole got deeper.

The final straw was when I knew I was destroying my marriage and my children, and I broke. This time it stuck. I got sober on 2/18/2018. Since I surrendered to this program, my life has changed in so many ways. Today my life is full of happiness, love and a newfound freedom that is so amazing. I’ve learned how to love and to be loved. I’m a single father that knows how to be a Dad and a full-time student. This is an amazing journey if you allow yourself to take it. Today I am of service to anyone in need. The greatest gift is giving back what was so freely giving to me.

Sincerely,
Edward Treadway

Archive:
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This is Living: Surviving Substance Abuse in a Loved One
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Alcohol and Substance Abuse Impacts the Entire Family
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Coping With a Loved One’s Addiction
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Requirements to become a Peer Volunteer

• Two or more years of long-term recovery from your own alcohol/substance use disorder or that of a family member.
• Current and active involvement in a 12-step recovery program or equivalent.
• Willingness to break your own anonymity within the workplace and to have your name, contact information, and photo posted on the external PVP website and on internal communications.
• Satisfactory completion of an interview process.
• Approval by supervisor to serve as a Peer Volunteer.
• Completion of an initial training session and attendance at one quarterly meeting per year minimum.
• Maintenance of good performance in your job at PG&E.
• Commitment of a minimum of one year to the Peer Volunteer Program is desired.

Responsibilities of a Peer Volunteer

A Peer is expected to be available 24/7 via personal cell phone to assist any PG&E employee or dependent who has an issue with their own drinking/drug use or that of a loved one.

If you have questions or wish to explore becoming a Peer Volunteer, please contact PVP@pge.com or:

We are in the midst of the deadliest drug crisis in American history. It can affect anyone. If you or a dependent are seeking treatment for an opioid use disorder, Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) offers the best chance for a successful recovery. Work with your local onsite EAP counselor or call Beacon Health Options at 1-888-445-4436 to find the best treatment center for your situation. You can also contact one of the Peer Volunteers, fellow employees who are in long-term recovery and can help 24/7. Click here to learn more about the opioid crisis and how you can help end it.