Behavioral Health Home Supports Help with Focus
Growing up in Pahokee, Florida was challenging for Donald. His parents were constantly arguing, and his father could be abusive. “I felt like the black sheep in my family. My father would wake me up in the middle of the night and kick me out of the house, telling me to go and look for work.” He said sleep deprivation took a toll, and his schooling suffered.
So, when Donald’s girlfriend was moving to New Jersey, he joined her. He came with high hopes for a better life. But Donald, who has behavioral health issues, had trouble finding a job. He also got into a few fights, leading to trouble with the police.
“Catholic Charities saved me,” said Donald. “Mentally and emotionally, I feel better now. I attend counseling and group sessions and am learning how to deal with my issues.”
Behavioral Health Home Wellness Case Manager Eudora Klee has worked with Donald for three years. He admits he was skeptical at first. “She was real strict with me in the beginning. Always making me follow the rules. But I love Miss Eudora; she has helped me through many things.”
For starters, Nurse Klee helped Donald resolve some of his legal issues. “I’ve written letters to the court on his behalf, explaining his mental health issues. And I have communicated with the probation office and helped ensure Donald knew what was expected of him.”
She has also helped him manage his medications. “I had to convince Donald he needed to take his medication as prescribed.” Working with Nurse Klee, Donald said he realized that he didn’t function well when he deviated from the regimen doctors ordered.
Pursuing His Dream
Going to school gives Donald a place to focus his energy. He is attending Mercer County Community College, learning about filmmaking and digital arts. His latest project is turning his small portfolio of comic characters into a film. He posts his work to a YouTube channel.
His main character is Lady Joker, who grew up without her father. During an intergalactic space war, she fights masked demons and has unique abilities. “My dream is to turn my drawings into something real, like a movie.”
He has also learned it’s important to stay busy and keep connected. “I know I have to get out of the house. When I stay in the house, that’s when the depression and anxiety kick in.” When he’s not at Catholic Charities or at school, Donald has a business selling incense and oils. “Every day, I try to be up and out of the house. I need to be busy and stay occupied.”
Donald also appreciates the other types of help he has received from Catholic Charities. “I get nutritious meals at the program — breakfast and lunch, and I can visit the food pantry to get the other things I need. Catholic Charities also provided me with an air conditioner for my apartment and a computer.”
“I feel so much better now than when I started here.”
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Since moving to New Jersey, Donald has needed help managing his medications and staying focused. The supports he receives from Catholic Charities’ Behavioral Health Home team help keep him on track.
Catholic Charities Behavioral Health team offers a wide range of psychiatric rehabilitation groups and activities for those needing an intensive environment to achieve their goals.
For more information about Behavioral Health Home on-site primary care services, please contact 800-360–7711.