Cal, with the help of his case manager, Brian Scully, personnel from the VA Mental Health/Substance Use (MH/SU) Program, and his own personal efforts, was able to adapt and overcome a devastating loss, a history of substance use and homelessness. The payoff of this hard work is stable housing, medications management, advancement in the work place, and improved relationships.
While Cal was living in Kentucky attempting to make a better life for his family that was living out of state, he suffered the loss of his wife of 30 years. Cal suffers from depression and anxiety due to grief and loss which led to self-medication, interference in activities of daily living, financial hardship, and homelessness.
Cal was admitted to St. Vincent de Paul Louisville’s VA Program and participated in individual therapy as part of our new Mental Health/Substance Use program. Cal was in regular attendance to one-on-one sessions and appointments with his psychiatrist at VA, leading to the identification of triggers and positive vs. negative coping skills, resulting in elimination of self-medication and healthy processing of loss.
Cal also sought assistance from VA groups, the veterans housing liaison, and attended to health and dental issues at University of Louisville Hospital. This led to increased confidence, motivation and interpersonal relationships skills. He then reconnected with estranged family members and received a promotion at work.
Cal exited our VA and MH/SU programs and moved into a local apartment. He continues his one-on-one and group therapies and looking for an addition to the family with the adoption of a dog.
Warren is a client who has severe delusions and other mental health issues. He arrived at Ozanam Inn in March 2020. With his delusions and paranoia, he was hesitant to talk to anyone over the phone and distrustful of staff. Due to restrictions in place because of the pandemic, it was difficult to get Warren connected with WellSpring’s ACT (Assertive Community Treatment) program.
With the arrival of DeMond Bush, our newest case manager, we had a breakthrough with Warren. DeMond was able build a rapport with Warren and gain his trust. In turn, Warren trusted the process and met with WellSpring’s ACT program. As Warren was without health insurance, DeMond worked with him to get the needed health insurance, which enabled him to get into the ACT program.
Warren is now a client at Ozanam Inn and WellSpring. His medications have been adjusted, delusions less severe, and can hold meaningful conversations, all of which will further his self-sufficiency. Warren will also have a housing voucher in the very near future.
We gave away 50 bikes in June and July. Clients are using them to get around campus and town, and are very appreciative. Big shout out to Mark Doll and Terry Luckett! Mark and Terry collect used bikes, refurbish them and then give them out to people in need.
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