Bob
Remarkable work goes on at GCB every day. From major breakthroughs to nearly immeasurable moments, the quality of life for our clients improves daily with the support of staff members who are constantly challenged and consistently rise to the occasion to advocate for those in need.

Dr. Tracey Skale has a patient, “Bob”, who was growing continually more anxious with a situation in his workplace, The Kroger Co. Bob was proud of the fact that he had gotten the job on his own, and had maintained employment there for more than two years. Recently though, his duties had changed, and the changes exacerbated the symptoms of his illness to the point that he could no longer make himself go in to work. Bob is fortunate to have a strong family structure, and his mother contacted Dr. Skale for an emergency appointment. Hearing the situation, Dr. Skale quickly realized that Bob could benefit from the help of a Job Coach.

Ordinarily GCB’s Vocational Team takes clients through a thorough assessment process, determining their abilities and needs before assigning them to either intensive or maintenance coaching. Since Bob had obtained his position with Kroger on his own, he had missed that process. All the same, Dr. Skale made a quick call on the spot to GCB’s Vocational Department.  Vocational Team Supervisor Kelly Smith-Trondle interviewed Bob right then in Dr. Skale’s office, and immediately arranged for Job Coach Chris Brown to contact Bob’s supervisor at Kroger. Chris met with Bob and his supervisor the very next day.

The quick thinking and flexibility of this group of professionals ,who work as a team even when things don’t necessarily fit the norm, meant that one man was able to address his mental health issues in his place of employment with dignity and a sense of support. Bob can now talk with his supervisor in the presence of a supportive Job Coach about his illness and any workplace issues. The supervisor was open to adjustment, and Bob is proudly back at work. Dr. Skale’s comment following the events, “The system worked well” does not do justice to the quiet heroics that can occur when a caring group of professionals work together on behalf of those in need.
 

 Holli  

“I really feel like this is my calling,” Holli says of her position as Peer Engagement Specialist with GCB’s Paths to Recovery program which focuses on engaging people who are homeless and chronic inebriates. The Paths to Recovery program is funded by a federal grant through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.  Holli focuses on street outreach, making the rounds with GCB case workers on the streets of Over the Rhine, in Washington Park and surrounding areas. They attempt to develop relationships with the goal of leading people toward programs, services, and ultimately recovery.

Holli brings a unique perspective to her work, having been homeless with a mental illness diagnosis and a substance abuser. She is now clean for nearly two years and in City Gospel Mission’s recovery program for women, “Having the Courage to Change”.

As she progressed, Holli became involved in The Recovery Center’s programs designed to enhance life skills to further recovery. It was there that she met Chris Pedoto, Recovery Center Director, who saw Holli’s focus and desire to succeed and recommended her to Greg Pieples, who heads Paths to Recovery and needed a peer specialist. “What I saw in Holli was just a very engaging and positive person,” says Pedoto. “She made friends quickly upon her arrival to the Recovery Center and was very supportive of them as well as the other members of the Recovery Center. She really understood the concept of peer support. Even though she was here to work on her own recovery, she did more giving than receiving.”

Holli has developed relationships with many homeless people that she hopes to someday bring to the network of help and support she has found. This, for Holli, is what makes it all worthwhile. “It is so fulfilling to see the face of a person when you hand them the keys to their own apartment for the first time.”
 

 Amanda

Amanda was an honor student at Roger Bacon High School where she attended on an academic scholarship. She graduated in the top 10% of her class in May 2009. She was a member of the Drama Guild, the National Honor Society, and the academic team. She participated in track and cross country, did community outreach to senior citizens and elementary school children. She was a member of her Youth Group at church.

In March 2009, during her senior year, Amanda became a client in GCB’s Transitional Youth Program which focuses on “at risk youth” who are aging out of the children’s system. She has made tremendous progress in the program and has attended a peer-to-peer group where she has shared her experiences with others.

Amanda is thrilled that she was awarded the “Regents Scholarship” to attend Eastern Kentucky University. The scholarship covered her tuition at the in-state rate and her room. 

Amanda says that the support that she received from the Transitional Youth Program at GCB was “awesome”. “The program was a stepping stone for me. It really helped me to build up my relationship with my parents.” About moving away from home, Amanda says, “I am so excited about moving to EKU. I have three younger sisters, ages 4 to 17. I am really sad about leaving them. But this is an opportunity that I just could not pass up.”

Rick

Homeless. Living on the street, hand to mouth, for 21 years. Mentally ill. Hearing voices. Living in the woods in a make-shift nest of tree branches and twigs. This was Rick. Born and raised in Hyde Park, a neighborhood of affluence. Known throughout the City as the “Hyde Park Hermit”.
- click here to view Rick's video story -

Then something miraculous happened in Rick’s life. Someone reached out to him, offering support and concern. Occasionally he was offered a pair of socks or gloves, water or a flip-top can of ravioli. But always, he was offered hope, kindness, and understanding. It took awhile, but eventually a bond of trust was formed between Rick and his new friend, Tim.

Tim was a member of the Homeless Outreach Team at GCB, professionally trained in the case management of persons with severe mental illness. Tim knew it would take some time to earn Rick’s trust, but there was hope for Rick, if he could just get him to see a doctor. Rick’s condition was deteriorating, both mentally and physically.

During a bad winter snowstorm, life turned around for Rick. He was encouraged by Tim and Dr. Tracey Skale to come in from the woods, out of the cold and blizzard. The team found an apartment for Rick. Dr. Skale developed a therapeutic relationship with Rick, identified his schizophrenia and started him on his treatment. It wasn’t long before the voices in Rick’s mind were subdued, and he was able to sleep at night and concentrate during the day. With the help of the medical treatment provided by Dr. Skale, and the psychological support of the treatment team, Rick found a new life.

Today, Rick enjoys living on his own, in his apartment with his cat. He has regular visits with Dr. Skale to monitor his illness, and with his case manager to develop his independent living skills. He has regular contact with his primary care physician. He is considering going to work part-time, with the help of the vocational program offered at GCB.

Rick is just one of the many homeless adults with mental illness who are helped by GCB. Our Homeless Outreach Team is recognized nationwide as an innovative “Best Practice” program. GCB was the recipient of the 2006 Eli Lilly Re-integration Award for our Forensic and Homeless Services.
- click here to view Rick's video story -

Robert

Robert has always loved animals. As a child growing up, he always had a dog and couldn’t wait to have another one when he moved into his own apartment. When he saw Molly, a Miniature Pinscher, he immediately knew this was the dog for him. After living at Kemper House, and with the assistance of GCB’s Transitional Support Team, Robert recently moved into his own apartment. He credits the staff at GCB for not only providing a caring living environment, but also for assisting him in his continued recovery. Robert believes having Molly helps him maintain a positive outlook on life. He enjoys walking Molly in the park near his home. Robert said, ”It is really great to have someone waiting to see me when I return from my job.” Robert works part time at a downtown restaurant.