The Story Project of Measure 110, Part One: PEERS

(Documentary film) - Grant Financed - Portland, OR

This is my current video project. I received a $15k grant to produce this first part focused on Peer Support Services. I am the Producer, Director and Writer for this project. As of December 2023, we are starting to submit the 28-minute short to festivals and seeking other avenues for distribution. We have plans to expand the project to include other documentary shorts, audio storytelling, live event storytelling, writings, music and art—all focused on the the people whose lives are affected by the Measure 110 Movement through funding and services.

For this project, I leveraged my relationship with Morgan Godvin to network with organizations that employ Peer Support Specialists. Morgan connected me to Candi Balabon, a Peer Supervisor at Columbia Community Mental Health who became one of my main sources for this project. My aim is to highlight peer specialists and their stories while also giving insight into the work they do. The people interviewed for this video project were previously incarcerated on drug related charges. Most are still in recovery. They are the hope that the drug crisis needs right now. Their dedication deserves attention at this time.