David

For years, David struggled with depression as well as alcohol and drug abuse. When he found his way to GCB, he was able to finally identify and focus on the positive influences that surround him. Those influences gave him the desire to improve his quality of life, and with the help of his case worker and others at GCB, he worked hard and got sober. He is proud to say he has maintained sobriety for 17 months. David is now holding down full-time employment as a dishwasher at a local Senior Living Community, a position he was able to obtain after working with GCB Job Coach Burke Schilderink. “I’ve really seen a turnaround. David has a renewed confidence now, and is proud to be working in independent employment,” says Burke of his client’s success.

David was originally assessed for job placement about a year ago, and was with GCB’s supervised employment program while he worked on staying sober. He credits his girlfriend, who is sober for 19 months, as part of his success in moving into a full-time position with the Senior Living Community. David says the fact that she has two months sobriety ahead of him creates a friendly “rivalry” that keeps him focused.

With his successes, David has found a new outlook on life, and plans on maintaining employment with the Senior Living Community for the foreseeable future. “This job is what I wanted and what I needed,” says David, “It’s definitely been hard sometimes, but I know a good thing now when I have it.”

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 this fall. The scholarship covers her tuition at the in-state rate and her room. Amanda visited the University’s campus in Richmond, Kentucky earlier this summer. She says she just loved the campus. She has decided on Nursing as a major. During her Orientation session on campus, she met another incoming Freshman Nursing student. She says they really clicked and decided to be dormitory roommates.

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.

Teresa

Not so long ago, Teresa found herself in a very difficult situation. She was homeless and unemployed. She had worked for 25 years as a licensed practical nurse. In 2005, she was hospitalized 13 times for her mental illness. She can now proudly say that she has completed 7 months with no hospitalization.

With the support of GCB staff, Teresa has become stable on her medications and she has her own apartment. She is on the road to regaining her LPN license. Teresa is very excited about the help she is getting from the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation (BVR). She was referred to the BVR by her GCB program worker. Teresa will be receiving much needed assistance from the BVR, including a bus pass, tuition for two classes she needs to renew her nursing license, uniforms and a job coach. Teresa said, “If you have a chance to go to the BVR, snag it!” Teresa is attending a personal empowerment workshop at GCB. Teresa reports that everything seems to be going in a positive direction.

Teresa shared how important the groups at GCB’s Welcome Center have been to her. She said, “I get up and come to the groups, whether I feel like it or not.” Teresa’s story is an inspiring tribute to her commitment to recovery.