Partners in Recovery Provides Encouragement
Born 14 weeks prematurely, Troy arrived as a sunny blessing to his family on the first day of summer in 1989. As an infant, he had hydrocephalus, an accumulation of too much fluid in the brain and spinal cord. He underwent surgery to implant a shunt that drains fluid from his head into his abdomen.
Growing up with the shunt, he recalls being unable to play contact sports and worrying that he wouldn’t be accepted for his difference. Troy said his family has always been supportive and encouraging. “I appreciate the help I had growing up,” he said, “because I know many people don’t have it.”
When Troy was 30, he had a seizure in his sleep. It was a full two weeks before he woke up in the hospital. The experience changed him. Afterward, he said he felt constant anxiety. “I was always afraid I was going to have another seizure,” he said. “I was afraid to go to sleep. I was down on myself.” Troy’s mother tried to help her son stay positive during that time. “She told me to be happy that I am still alive and I should wake up daily with a smile,” he said. “She said I could still love my life.” She also encouraged him to attend counseling.
Finding a Welcoming Place to Grow
“Coming to Catholic Charities was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.” For the past four years, Troy has been participating in programs through the Partners in Recovery program. “I started talking to the counselors and listening to what others were sharing, which made me feel better. When I walked into the program, everyone greeted me. Everyone has a smile on their face. No one judges anyone else.”
Nurse Care Manager Janese Scarlett has followed Troy’s progress and is helping him stay on track. “I am so proud of Troy. He works very hard and has come a long way.” Troy appreciates how Janese checks in. “She calls me all the time to ensure I am okay. It makes me feel good that someone is watching out for me.”
Troy said Peer Counselor Robert Brooks is another person in the program who has supported him. “He is a walking testament in my eyes. He shared the things that he went through. After that, I learned you never know what anyone else is going through.” He said his interactions with Robert changed the way he reacted to things.
Another thing that helps Troy stay positive and smile is his four-year-old daughter Riley. He loves spending time with her and watching her play. “She makes me feel like a superhero. She keeps me going and makes me want to keep doing better.”
Troy said he is thankful for all the support he has received at Partners in Recovery and for the help he gets from the medical team. “My peers and counselors encourage me to keep the faith, keep working and go higher. I did the work, and things got better.”
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When Troy (right) began attending group sessions in the Partners in Recovery program, he was touched by how positive everyone was. And he found the guidance from Peer Counselor Robert Brooks especially helpful.
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 Partners in Recovery, please call 609-396–4557