Stories of Hope

woman1 During the past three years, Maggie* has been somewhat of a nomad, living in shelters, with friends, in hotel rooms, and other places most of us would never call home. But for Maggie, where she lands on a particular night is her home. She has faced much adversity in her life, losing one of her best friends in the past year, as well as losing family members. She has been hospitalized countless times for a variety of reasons, almost always stemming from past trauma and depression. And yet, she perseveres. She has built a strong support network around her, as her personality is one that cannot be ignored.

At CMHA, our mission is “Partners in Recovery,” and it is an apt motto for Maggie's story, which is one of heartbreak, redemption, fortitude and hope. We could delve into her symptoms, look into her diagnosis, and examine her history to present you a clear picture of who she is. But ultimately, this would do her a disservice, because, quite simply, she is a human being—like you and me.

Maggie adapts to situations, sometimes in good ways, and sometimes in not so good ways. Sometimes she is her own worst enemy, sometimes she alone is the source for personal victories. She has been a client with many of CMHA’s programs, including case management, Intensive Assertive Community Treatment Team (I-ACTT) residential program, and our Team Time Social Club. She can be impatient, angry, frustrating, and yet those traits somehow work for her, as she uses them not as a wall, but as a way for us to earn her trust. Maggie can also be funny, engaging, and warm, and that's what endears her to us.

Today, that support has helped her to land in a stable environment. With the help of staff from CMHA’s Housing Program and the Modified Assertive Community Treatment homeless outreach team, Maggie is living in a new apartment.

The other day, her case managers paid her a visit. As we climbed the stairs, we could hear disco music emerging from the top floor. Of course, it was coming from Maggie’s apartment, as she finds solace and energy in music. We knocked, and waited, until she opened the door, with Donna Summer blasting in the background. Maggie welcomed us into her sparsely furnished apartment, where she has nothing but a folding chair to sit on and a blow up mattress to sleep on—she is awaiting a donation from Bob’s Discount Furniture. As she loosens up, she jokes and smiles, her smile speaking volumes.

Today is a good day. Today she has invited us into her new apartment and into her world. Today Maggie is okay. She is a survivor.

*name changed to protect client privacy

Peter

The Peter Sutton* of today is far from the individual he once was. Peter spent many years in the community undiagnosed, un-medicated, and a danger to himself and others. Today, through the treatment and support he has received at CMHA’s Intensive Assertive Community Treatment Team (IACTT), Peter is thriving. He has made significant strides and continues to exceed expectations of staff and himself.

Prior to living at IACTT, Peter lived on his own in the community with the help of his family. He was grossly overweight, had poor ADL skills, was consorting with drug addicts, and was inviting homeless strangers to live with him. Although his family was concerned for his safety and well-being, they eventually gave up on Peter because they did not know how to deal with his erratic and unsavory behavior. Peter was referred to the respite program at IACTT and then became an IACTT resident.

Through the treatment Peter has received at CMHA, he has been able to reconnect with his family, who are amazed and appreciative of the progress Peter has made. Peter also got to spend time with and get to know his father before his father’s death last year. He is frequently in contact with his mother and sister and visits with them on the holidays.

With persistence and the help of IACTT staff, Peter has greatly improved his social skills, is employed, and has lost a significant amount of weight. He is personable, easy-going, and friends with all of his peers at IACTT. Peter exhibits a desire and willingness to continue growing and improving, he is invested in his treatment, and he is truly a success.

*name changed to protect privacy

Travis

Sometimes the support of others can change a life. Just ask Travis.* At 6 years old, he had already experienced a lifetime of trauma, from physical abuse by his father to domestic violence between his parents.

After Travis' father was removed from the home for treatment, there was no more abuse, but Travis still didn't feel safe. Not knowing how to express his fear, the young boy had severe tantrums, fought with his classmates, and was finally sent to live with his grandparents.

CMHA's Child Witness to Violence program helped Travis and his family reunite and build a new foundation. Our therapist taught Travis to trust in his mother and his father, who had also gained valuable parenting skills from the program.

Travis is back in a violence-free home, where he feels safe and secure, and his behavior and grades have improved. Now this young boy has what all children deserve: peace and security.

*Name changed to protect privacy.

Heartfelt Thanks from a CMHA Client

Click here to read a Letter to the Editor urging support for CMHA.

Dan

21-year-old Dan* had always loved the thrill of sports. Growing up, he excelled in football, baseball, and basketball, and later in extreme sports like snowboarding and skateboarding. The summer after Dan graduated from high school, a shoulder injury from snowboarding and football required two major surgeries. His doctor prescribed Percocet and Vicodin for the pain from the surgery. Dan would never be the same.

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