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Client Stories: The Importance of Providing the Right Housing
Frequently, he would wind up losing an apartment because he lacked the confidence to say “no” to people, often drug dealers, wanting to move in with him, which landlords would not tolerate. Sandra spent most of her adult life depending on others to provide basic services for her, though there was nothing she wanted more than a place of her own. She knew nothing about how to take care of an apartment, nor how to budget money to cover rent and bills. As far as ever realizing her dream of having her own place, Sandra says, “That was the farthest thing from my mind.” Four years ago, Cloud arrived in St. Louis at the end of a three-month long methamphetamine binge that began in Utah and that he had hoped would kill him. He lived on the streets for four months after arriving until he began to receive help–initially through Community Alternatives before joining Places for People. By then, he had been living for over 25 years with the symptoms of an undiagnosed mental illness which first had appeared while he was serving in the U.S. Navy. He was also HIV positive. “I was a mess,” says Cloud. These days, Andy and Sandra are successfully and independently living in apartments in the community. Cloud remains safely housed at CJ’s Place, Places for People’s facility designed specifically to address the needs of people with dual diagnoses. What do these clients’ stories illustrate about Places for People’s array of housing choices? The different housing options reflect and address the different choices and needs of our clients. Consider Andy’s experience, for example. Andy has utilized several of Places for People’s housing options. Andy joined PfP after deciding he no longer wanted to stay in a group home in Pacific, MO. Initially, he moved into PfP’s emergency housing. Eventually, however, he was evicted when he allowed others to move into his apartment. After several attempts to live independently, he moved into the West Pine Group Home, where he stayed until last month. Having rebuilt his confidence, worked on assertiveness skills, and celebrated five years of being clean and sober, Andy has recently moved into another apartment on his own. “That’s the great thing about Places–even though I caused all these problems, they were willing to stick by me,” he says. Sandra also spent time at West Pine Group Home. She came to Places for People at the advice of her psychiatrist ten years ago. She had a specific goal: to learn the skills she would need to move out of her sister’s place and into a place of her own. At West Pine and working with Team D, she learned skills like managing her finances, cooking, and cleaning. She also grew in her conviction that living independently was her preference. “I like my freedom too much,” she says. “That’s why I chose to live in an apartment.” Sandra has lived in her apartment for five years now. Having adjusted to her new surroundings and challenges, Sandra has recently been discharged from Places for People, with appropriate supports in place. Cloud has been a resident of CJ’s Place since 2004. While living in Ogden, Utah, he had attended college, married and divorced. Later, he had lived in an AIDS housing project there. But he believes strongly that living at CJ’s Place is where he needs to be now. “They really practice harm reduction there. . . .” says Cloud. “They realize we’re going to have relapses. And they provide a safe area,” where clients can avoid the dangers of the street and always have a place to call home. While at CJ’s, he continues to work on his recovery. And in the spring, he will begin taking classes toward a degree in Spanish language. He hopes one day to teach Spanish language classes to inner-city children. When he set out four years ago from Utah, deeply depressed and having purchased what he thought was enough crystal methamphetamine to kill him on the road somewhere, anywhere, Cloud couldn’t imagine being where he is today. “It just so happened I ran out here in St. Louis. So it was kind of like divine intervention,” he says. Labels: Agency Philosophy, Client Stories, Fall - 2008
Client Stories: The Importance of Providing the Right Housing
Club Opens Doors to Hope and Recovery
At Places for People, the Club is a vital resource and support system for its members who are learning to live complete and meaningful lives with their mental illness. Located in the lower level of the administrative building at 4130 Lindell Boulevard, the Club is PfP’s day program, providing core treatment programs to educate members on mental illness, help with co-occurring substance abuse issues, and guide members in making improvements to their overall health. Open every day of the year, the Club also provides a welcoming environment, a daily lunch program, and opportunities for social interaction. It’s easy to see why members enjoy the program. “The staff are extremely friendly,” Club member Paul explained. “We’ve got a pool table, a foosball table. We have ping pong, we have computers. You can get on the Internet with no problem. And the meals here are excellent.” What’s a little harder to see initially, but critical to the success of its members, is that there’s a whole lot more going on in the Club than even meets the eye. There’s rehabilitation happening in nearly every interaction–obviously in formal group sessions, but also in what looks like just a casual game of pool. Psychosocial Rehabilitation The Club, which celebrated its 33rd anniversary on July 1, is a psychosocial rehabilitation center. Understanding what that is reveals why and how the Club works the way it does and why it makes such a big difference to members’ lives. It’s a complex concept: On one hand, there are easily identifiable therapeutic activities happening at the Club all the time.
On the other hand, the Club is not just a series of programs or facilities. The Club also offers numerous enrichment activities, including group outings to local museums, the Muny, and baseball games. Additionally, Club membership entails responsibilities, which means everyone has work to do daily. Key to understanding psychosocial rehabilitation is seeing the value in all of these activities. Rehabilitation: An Active Process Clubhouse programs are modeled after New York’s Fountain House, which opened in 1948. Their governing philosophy is that people recovering from mental illness benefit from real-life experiences, from having meaningful work to do, and from being able to identify with a community of peers. A key premise of psychosocial rehabilitation is that learning skills is best accomplished in the process of living and doing. Centers like the Club provide a supportive environment, while at the same time engaging members in real-world situations designed to help build core daily living skills essential to successfully integrating into society. For Club members, that may mean learning how to live with their illness and how to function in spite of symptoms. Psychosocial rehabilitation targets three primary areas of growth: social/recreational, vocational/academic, and wellness. While PfP’s Club addresses all of these areas, one thing that distinguishes it from similar programs is the extensive needs of some members. “We provide services to people who might not get services in any other agency,” said Mark Brennan, Director of Procovery at PfP. High-need members require a focus on developing support and skills–“real basic, nuts and bolts, hands-on” assistance is required in some cases, said Brennan. Redefining Self-Image One way the Club helps to develop a support system is through a sense of affiliation–becoming a member of the Club fulfills a basic, human need for people who have struggled with the social stigmas of their illness. “People need to be needed. That’s the essence of what the Club provides,” said Ingrid Murphy, Club Coordinator. Club members are needed by their peers, in part, because everyone participates to perform daily operating functions. Along with staff, clients plan and prepare meals, maintain the building, perform clerical and receptionist tasks, operate the snack bar and thrift store, and participate in planning Club activities. These responsibilities can help people with mental illness redefine themselves–removing the stigma of their illness and providing them a new identity and role. “People know their work is needed because if people don’t get in on time, then lunch is not ready at noon,” said Murphy, who described the staff’s role as “hands-off,” stepping in to educate only if needed. Ensuring that lunch goes out promptly–and lives up to its lofty reputation–is a daily goal for Chuck, who worked as a chef before mental illness and physical ailments resulted in him needing treatment and eventually coming to Places for People four years ago. When he joined The Club, Chuck was at a personal low point in his life, describing himself as a recluse. His first activity in The Club was working on the kitchen crew. “That was almost as much therapeutic for me as it was creating a good meal for everybody,” Chuck recalled, explaining that working with others and gaining praise for his culinary talents helped to rebuild his self-esteem. Work is an expectation of members, but one that members, including Paul, welcome. “I just feel like I should pay back for the free meal and everything,” he said, adding, “My grandfather always said there’s no such thing as a free lunch.” A Community of Individuals People working, learning, and socializing together: PfP’s Club is a busy, thriving community. For people living with mental illness, developing a positive social support group is critical to a successful recovery. “You’re around people that can help you. And you’re also around people that have the same issues that you have. And you’re all in the same boat. There’s nobody better and there’s nobody worse,” said Club member Florence, who joined a few months ago and recently found a job through the Vocational Resource Center. Though part of a larger community, members each have their own stories and their individualized stages of recovery. How each member utilizes The Club is tied closely to a larger treatment plan, one that is driven by goals a member has identified and by his or her personal stage of recovery. “We meet people where they are and engage them in a conversation about where they want to be,” said Brennan.
A client may say, for example, they don’t know how to make friends, explained Brennan. The Club then offers those clients opportunities to engage in real-life, personal interactions, including talking over coffee, playing cards, or shooting pool. Rehabilitation really can happen even during a game of pool. “Somewhere in that process, we say, ‘This is what we do to make friends,’” said Brennan. When Paul joined Places for People about eight months ago, he identified improving socialization skills as a goal and was referred by his community support team to the Club. He now works regularly at the snack bar–“Tuesday to Thursday, all day long”–and has expanded his social network. For some members, though, the starting point might be more fundamental: perhaps needing somewhere to rest after spending a night on the streets. If a new member’s only use of The Club is sleeping on a couch, then, “That’s good enough for us at the time,” said Brennan. Opening Doors The goals, short and long term, are different for each member. What is common, however, is that psychosocial rehabilitation through the Club seeks to fulfill a core value at Places for People, by opening doors to hope and recovery. Longtime member Ben recalled some initial apprehension when first coming to the Club. He wasn’t sure if he was interested in attending regularly until other members asked him to get involved. Now he participates in a variety of events, including advocating for mental health issues. He was recently elected to the new Consumer Advisory Board and will represent his peers in discussions with PfP’s Board of Directors. Also elected to the Consumer Advisory Board was David, who termed himself the “silent candidate,” because he is very engaging, but soft-spoken. David has been a member of PfP and the Club since 1990. He identified the various programs, the exercise equipment in the Wellness Center, the daily meal, the air-conditioning during St. Louis summers, and the thrift store offerings as highlights of the Club. He also said he enjoys the accessibility of community support workers in offices upstairs and that he is very comfortable in the whole building. “I just feel real good about The Club,” he added. Labels: Agency Philosophy, Client Stories, Club, Summer - 2008
Club Opens Doors to Hope and Recovery
Celebrating 30 Years at Places for People and a Lifetime of Memories
"We're having pork steak, potatoes, lettuce-tomato salad," she said, adding with special emphasis "and cheesecake." During the conversation, she settles comfortably into a chair, recalling a story about her grandmother, who owned a soul food restaurant. "We could visit my grandmother at home, anytime we wanted too -- and there was always something good to eat. But if we stopped by the restaurant she'd say, 'You have to pay, just like everybody else'." She twinkles as she tells that story -- and every story, for that matter. And while she claims that she "sometimes forgets," she remembers the exact day when a staff person at the State Psychiatric Hospital approached her with some life-changing news. "It was September 3, 1965 when they came up to me and said, 'Gertrude, it's time to for you to go.'" "Go where?" she asked, uncertain and unsure why she was being removed from a safe, secure and structured environment she'd lived in for more than eight years. "I liked it there," she said, referring to the state hospital. "I made lots of friends and everyone was real good to me." Gertrude was among the first round of patients in state care who were affected by the deinstitutionalization process that resulted in thousands of people being discharged from supervised psychiatric care. She left the hospital and lived in an apartment subsidized by the Department of Mental Health. "We got along pretty good," she says, speaking of her two roommates who were also former patients. She admits it was very lonely at times, as there were few supports at that time for people living with serious mental illness. It was not until 1975, when PfP opened the first psychiatric rehabilitation facility in Missouri, that daily social and community-based psychiatric support services became more accessible. When her psychiatrist told her about PfP in 1977, she jumped at the opportunity to have something to do every day. "I'd never been in an organization like that before, but I met so many people and so many of them became my friends. Places helped me to be more sociable and to be more courteous. I liked to stir the pot in more ways than one when I was a little bit younger." She chuckles and smiles again, going on to say that a bout with stomach cancer (that is now in remission) impacted her life in many ways. She's especially appreciative of the flexible levels of support provided by her community support team during her 30 years with the agency. Monthly and weekly visits have transitioned into a daily visit when a community support worker assists her with managing 10 prescription medications. Tuesdays are the dedicated to grocery shopping and though she's admitted to staff that she still prefers her grandmother's oxtail and spaghetti recipes, she chooses canned and fresh fruits and vegetables more often now. "I have a lot of friends and I know I'm blessed," she says reflectively as the conversation draws to a close. As she opens the door and waves to the neighbor across the hall, she adds, "I sure hope I'll see you at my party." It's an invitation that most certainly cannot be refused. Labels: Client Stories, Fall-Winter 2007
Celebrating 30 Years at Places for People and a Lifetime of Memories
Patience and Persistence: A Story Every Parent Knows
"C'mon little woman, it's time to get ready," her mother Tina says, walking into the room carrying a crisp purple outfit. Nellie looks at her mother, drops the guitar and bounds across the room. She jumps onto a miniature Big-Wheel and zips toward her mother who quickly scoops up the little girl, triggering peals of laughter from them both. It's clear that Nellie understands play time is over as she cocks her head and sticks out her arms when her mother slides on her shirt. The pants, however, are a different matter. "I think she's putting on a show this morning," Tina notes, but in no time, Nellie is dressed, her hair is combed and she's slipped on her shoes, which Tina tightens after she shuts and locks the front door of her apartment. The two then head down the street and around the corner where a bus is scheduled to arrive within five minutes. An hour later, Tina will have dropped Nellie off at an advanced pre-school program and will have made her way to PfP's offices. Tina has scheduled a review of her monthly budget and has a list for her month's stock of grocery shopping. Tina and Nellie live in one of PfP's apartment buildings that is supported by a subsidy from the Department of Housing Urban Development. The apartment is a spacious two-bedroom that offers a gated back yard, a washer and dryer, a sizeable kitchen and plenty of room for Nellie's Big-Wheel activities. Tina has been a client at PfP for little more than eight years and she says that the agency's level of care "feels wonderful." She also notes that her team of community support workers provides her encouragement to develop and strengthen her parenting skills and energies. "They've never given up on me," she explains when she talks about her team and how she's matured as a person and as a parent during her time with the agency. "They've helped me to become more independent, they're always positive and encouraging." Tina's team insists that Tina's being modest when it comes to her own successes, especially when it comes to raising her daughter. "She asks a lot of questions and takes a lot of initiative," notes Team Leader Karen Slaven-Reynolds. "You've always been there for me," Tina replies, "like I always want to be there...for Nellie." Currently, there are more than 50 minor children whose parents are PfP clients. Providing parenting services, teaching and supporting parenting skills and assisting in arranging child care and medical care is not covered by PfP's Medicaid contract. These services are funded through support from the Trio Foundation, Pi Beta Phi Alumnae Club of St. Louis and individual donations. Labels: Client Stories, Fall-Winter 2007, Parenting
Patience and Persistence: A Story Every Parent Knows
A VIETNAM VETERAN GIVES BACK BY NEVER GIVING UP
Melvin was in the military for more than five years, serving two deployments in Vietnam. He admits that his tours of duty were very hard on him personally, but that the companionship of his fellow servicemen helped him during times of stress. That companionship extends to his volunteer work these days and the 16 hours of volunteer work he provides each week. "I help patients get to where they need to go, I help them get supplies and I help keep the rehab floor neat and clean," he explains, noting that while his volunteer work helps others, "I'm helping myself, too." That's especially evident as Melvin shares the story about how he came to Places for People."When I first got to St. Louis two years ago, I'd spent a couple of years off my medication," he explains, noting that while he had a bank account in North Carolina, a mishap with an ATM machine left him without access to any financial resources. "It ate my card, and I didn't know what to do."Without a place to go, no resources and without any medical assistance, Melvin faced certain homelessness. PfP's ACTION Team (which provides homeless outreach to people with mental illness) and Melvin's own decision to seek care brought him to PfP's door and The Club, PfP's day program. The Club offers a free daily lunch and is frequently the first contact new clients have with the agency. Melvin returned for several days and was soon connected with a team of community support workers who were focused on helping him achieve his recovery goals."They were real nice," he says, "and they helped me get a place to live and to get my medication while they sorted everything out." While it took many months for PfP's community support teams to unravel Melvin's personal finances and Veteran's benefits, subsidies from the Department of Mental Health and donations from PfP donors provided Melvin with housing, medication, furniture, household supplies, clothing and food for his apartment.In time, Melvin was able to access his Veteran's benefits and to regain control of his North Carolina bank account which was transferred to a bank in St. Louis. "PfP helped me all those months and then when I got my money, we came up with a budget and I paid back everything I owed," Melvin notes with pride, explaining that he now manages his own money with the support of his community support team.He also shares how much it means that he was able to transition from the ACTION team to PfP's HOME Team -- a team that serves as an intermediary resource for people transitioning from homelessness to secure, and stable housing. "They can help more people now...just like they helped me."Labels: Client Stories, Fall-Winter 2007, Homelessness, Veterans |
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