Maria used a rescue inhaler on a daily basis and would often go to the ER. Jonah is a client of HOPES who was struggling when case managers first met him. HOPES staff initially connected him with local resources and services to help him get on the right track. Although he was doing better and accessing better care, he was still struggling in his environment. Jonah made the difficult decision to uproot and move to Seattle to start over, but he felt embarrassed by his current situation. Even though Jonah was leaving our community, HOPES staff was committed to helping Jonah reconnect with a previous case manager and get access to services in Washington.
During her first visit to HOPES, Radhika switched Maria to a new care plan and scheduled a one-on-one teaching appointment to show her how to use her new inhaler. When the girl came back a month later for her check up, Radhika noted she was doing much better.
“She was doing beautifully, she had no symptoms and was running, playing and having fun again,” Radhika said. “She was back to being a normal kid.”
To show her gratitude, Maria left this note for Radhika:
The moment I landed at SeaTac Airport the work for me truly began. I knew my life would improve since it was familiar territory that I was walking into, but not at the rate or level that it has improved. That first 24 hours I had reconnected to all my original resources. Then there were all the “voices.” I had a mini panic attack because of the amount of people trying to advise me on which direction to go. Listening to them and trying to figure it all out for what I wanted was overwhelming. I caught myself complaining about it and quickly stopped. Outside of HOPES, I had no “voices” giving me advice as to how to rebuild my life and stay sober. There was no support. I was alone, and now I had more than I could handle. What a blessing, but be careful what you wish for.
I have gotten so many clothes, food has to be turned away, my friend from Oregon is coming to work out a budget plan with me in 2 weeks. I am volunteering, I am told that people are asking about my story because doing the work for me is inspiring them. I am building a strong community and network of sober and healthy friends. I am running. I am reading again. I am gardening. Google peer counselor. Google SASG that is where I got my peer recovery coach. Homeless advocacy recovery support is in my future. I have to cater an event for Microsoft so I will close. I could keep going trust me.
All this is because of all of you,
Jonah
