Agency News

Letter by a Housing Program Client

"I was a single man just trying to make it on my way. I was the type of person to be a fair and honest, respectful man working for a living. I was going from job to job, never really holding a job down because of my alcoholic problems. I didn’t want to admit to myself and my family that I had a severe problem with alcohol.

I felt everything came crashing down in 2020 when I lost my job at Dr. Pepper. Eventually, I lost my apartment, and I had to stay in a shelter. I also had mental problems I didn’t want to deal with.

Empathetic Engagement and Teamwork Secured Placement for Client and His Service Dog

The phone rang at 6 p.m. on a Wednesday night at the Crisis Line. Isabella Rowe, a fairly new member of the Crisis Line team, answered the call. The caller shared he was having a really rough time getting through a terrible divorce and was currently homeless. He was feeling desperate and so hopeless that he had thoughts of dying by walking in to traffic earlier that day. Many of these feelings were due to the love he felt for Sanaa, his service dog of 7 years, who helped him due to a seizure disorder. The caller had a really hard time finding a spot in a shelter since most won't take Sanaa. The caller reported feeling increasingly worried about caring for her properly on the street.

Telehealth Enhanced Client's Therapy

Maria* presented to therapy with Paula Moore, PsyD at the IDD STARS Clinic due to depression, pervasive anxiety and a preoccupation with protecting herself.  She was also diagnosed with mild Intellectual Disability and ADHD. Early on, although cooperative, progress was minimal.  After securely establishing rapport, she began to show signs of growth in therapy.  She responded particularly well to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).  Not only was she responsive in therapy, but she also demonstrated a keen ability to follow-through on CBT strategies outside of session. 

On the Road to Success

Debra* began receiving services from the Southwest Adult Clinic earlier this year. She had faced numerous adversities including trauma, stress, betrayal and fear. Debra shared she decided she owed it to herself to make some changes regarding her mental health. The end of 2020 had been especially difficult for her, and she was ready to take a stand for herself.

Trauma Informed Care through Project CHANGE Renews Teen's Hopes

Oliver* was referred to Project CHANGE by a counselor in his school, he is 15 years-old. When we first met him, he reported having visual and auditory hallucinations and was experiencing insomnia due to intense nightmares. In our assessment, we identified the nightmares were a response to the trauma he experienced when he and his mother were kidnapped by a criminal organization for 16 days after a failed attempt to emigrate their home in Honduras. After another attempt, Oliver and his mother were able to cross the US border.