08/13/2026
It is with deep gratitude in our hearts that we share Kaeden Watford’s last day with the Wisconsin Peer Specialist Employment Initiative at Access to Independence will be tomorrow, Friday, August 14th.
Thank you, Kaeden, for your fierce energy, pure peerness, and unwavering love for community. In every decision you made, it was clear how deeply you care about peers and the peer movement. Every person you crossed paths with, every presentation you gave, and every intentional connection reflected your kind yet bold heart. All that you have given has not gone unnoticed, from stepping into leadership roles when a peer lens needed to be offered to simply taking on calls and emails and thoughtfully addressing peer's concerns and questions. This initiative, the peer movement, and your WIPSEI team are stronger for having known you.
We send Kaeden all of our best as he steps into his next endeavors (and you may still see him supporting us in other ways!). We know how fortunate we have been to be in this work alongside him, and we are certain he will continue to do incredible things wherever his path leads. Thank you, Kaeden, from the bottom of our hearts!
Before Kaeden goes, here is what he wanted to share with you:
"I have enjoyed nothing more than supporting, advocating, and building community in the peer support world. I have had the honor of sharing space with CPS and CPPS all over Wisconsin in different ways. Peer support is and always will be one of my biggest passions. It means so much to me that I have been able to support this initiative over the last two years, and I am sad that this is the end of that opportunity. I know that the fidelity of peer support will continue on through all the individual CPS and CPPS that make this community what it is. I will miss dearly my work family in Acienda and Gaochi. They have shown me community in a way that I experienced it for the first time. I am better from having walked alongside them in this journey, and I am better from having been able to walk alongside each of you in this community."
[image description: A man stands in front of soft golden sunlight on trees, holding a baby close against his chest. Both wear matching beanies - his in gray, the baby’s in black. The baby is wrapped snugly in a cozy fleece blanket patterned with warm tones of cream, brown, and red, while cradled securely in a beige baby carrier.]
