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Bitmjoji of Jake Ciccone doing sliding dance move across the floor and smiling

Jake Ciccone

Peer Support Lead Liaison (SHARE Military Initiative)

How did you join the Peer Support Program?

After active duty, I was in a dark place until a good friend of mine convinced me to get evaluated. Reluctant and skeptical at first, I went through the SHARE Military Initiative program. Starting with the evaluation, it became clear that I could not deny my symptoms any longer. After treatment, I felt like a totally different person and pursued happiness in my everyday life. I found a position for Peer Support that was open, and I thought this would be a great way to give back—helping veterans, active duty service members, and first responders helping them find the happiness and confidence they once had. A true purpose.

What is your role and tenure?

Peer Support Liaison Lead since 2021 at the SHARE Military Initiative. Being the bridge between the clinicians and the clients while supporting them in anything they may need to achieve their personal goals. Educating our clients on the tools we use in the program, ideology, and even support with retirement/discharge, including the Veterans Affairs. Relating my experience from the military, transitioning back to civilian life, and being a client at SHARE to facilitate normalizing our symptoms and struggles. To help all those who have served to find that joy in their life.

What is your favorite thing about this program?

When clients say they are not here to make friends, there is no way this place will work, I'm so broken I'm just going to give up, I CAN'T DO IT, and everything in between. To see them at graduation and as if there is a different individual in front of us. Seeing them acknowledge their struggles in life, having the confidence to conquer them, and seeing that smile.

What do you like to do during your leisure time away from work?

I'm a person of many interests. I am a maintenance diver at the Georgia Aquarium and fly fish with Project Healing Waters. I love the water and have always found water to be healing by nature, and being in the water grounds me in life. I love being outside with my dogs and going on hikes with them when the Georgia heat allows us to. My wife and I have a German Shepherd, Akita, a Bulldog, and two cats. Staying fit and traveling the world. I'm also a nerd who would play video games for days if I didn't have to be an adult.