Places For People: Helping People With Mental Illnesses Live Independently by Jennifer Blome

Places for People is a non-profit agency that helps people with severe mental illnesses live independently. Like a lot of clients, 39-year-old Andy Assadi spent years drinking and drugging to deal with the symptoms of his schizophrenia.

Places for People is open for lunch 365 days a year, and always welcomed Andy, even while he was using drugs. Eventually, Andy got into recovery at Places for People. The agency found him a group home, where Andy lives with 11 roommates and a staff member. He is now able to manage his illness with medication. Andy works part-time at Places for People, doing janitorial work.

Andy attended Clayton High School, but was unable to graduate because of his illness. Because of the help he received from Places for People, Andy is managing his illness, and hopes to get back to the books someday soon. Places for People is currently full. However, the agency can provide a quick assessment and referral for people who are sick and in need of treatment for a mental illness.

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