{"id":2824,"date":"2021-04-21T19:52:37","date_gmt":"2021-04-21T19:52:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/depts.washington.edu\/hprc\/?page_id=2824"},"modified":"2026-04-14T21:48:39","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T21:48:39","slug":"pearls-details-faqs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/depts.washington.edu\/hprc\/programs-tools\/pearls\/pearls-details-faqs\/","title":{"rendered":"PEARLS Details & FAQs"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Older<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

PEARLS is an effective skill-building program that helps older adults manage and reduce their feelings of depression and isolation.<\/strong> Some older adults might also describe those feelings as chronic sadness, loneliness, frustration, being overwhelmed, or losing interest in things they love.<\/p>\n

PEARLS adapts to the participant and the place and the need. <\/strong>The program is used by numerous cultures and communities. By removing barriers related to race, poverty, and where someone lives, PEARLS makes mental health services more available to underserved communities. Sessions with older adults take place in their homes or other community-based settings that are more accessible and comfortable for older adults.<\/p>\n

PEARLS is simple and easy to administer by staff at community-based organizations who might not have previous counseling experience or a higher education.<\/strong> There is PEARLS training that prepares staff to provide the program to community members.<\/p>\n

PEARLS Coaches<\/h2>\n
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\"older<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

PEARLS coaches are the heart and soul of an organization\u2019s PEARLS. They are the staff at community-based organizations who meet one-on-one with older adults to help them build the skills they need to live happier, healthier, and more independent lives. PEARLS coaches are a participant\u2019s support, cheerleader, and connection to resources.<\/p>\n

This close partnership between a PEARLS participant and coach builds throughout the six to eight one-hour PEARLS sessions. These sessions occur over the course of four to five months, starting with weekly sessions and tapering to monthly. This is a common skill-building technique used to support people in gradually learning to problem solve on their own.<\/p>\n

We provide training to become a PEARLS coach, as well as ongoing support for coaches.<\/p>\n

PEARLS TRAINING<\/a><\/p>\n

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<\/span>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About PEARLS<\/a><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n
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<\/span>The Evidence Behind PEARLS & Depression<\/a><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n
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<\/span>Evidence-Based Program Recognition<\/a><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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PEARLS Reach<\/h2>\n

National<\/h3>\n

30,042 + older adults
170 organizations
35 states + D.C.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Washington State<\/h3>\n

2,200 older adults
17 organizations
8 counties<\/strong>\n<\/p>\n

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\"Washington<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Our Partnerships<\/h2>\n

Partnerships with community-based organizations and organizations that providing funding for programs such as PEARLS are what make this program possible.<\/p>\n

Here is what a few of our partners had to say about our collaborative efforts with PEARLS.<\/p>\n

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\u201cI see the UW Health Promotion Research Center as our personal cheerleaders. They celebrate our accomplishments with us and help us troubleshoot when we are struggling.\u201d<\/p>\n

Amelia, El Sol Neighborhood Educational Center
(San Bernardino, California)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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\u201cWith the UW Health Promotion Research Center, we feel more confident. They enable us and empower us to continue our linkages with older folks and our veterans.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sluggo, Filipino Senior & Family Services
(Seattle, Washington)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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\u201cThe UW Health Promotion Research Center partnership provides accessible, non-judgmental support and expertise. They engage and brainstorm with us on ways to reduce barriers to offerings in our rural communities.\u201d<\/p>\n

Susan, Rogue Valley Council of Governments Senior & Disability Services
(Central Point, Oregon)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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\u201cI really appreciate the UW Health Promotion Research Center\u2019s understanding and flexibility when my clients have their own unique challenges and needs. The UW partnership and programs have been very effective among people with different cultural and linguistic backgrounds, including in our community.\u201d<\/p>\n

Syed, Union for Pan Asian Communities
(San Diego, California)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/h2>\n

Learn more about the Program to Encourage Active, Rewarding Lives or PEARLS\u2122 and how it works. We have divided questions into four categories, although some questions and responses may overlap.<\/p>\n