nix the nineteenth

day 19: how are you making the world a better place?

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     I try extremely hard to not let capitalism influence my every move and thought in this life, so a part of me hates this, but right now I have a cool ass job that makes a huge difference. And it's such a great feeling. I'm a peer specialist at a nonprofit organization center for mental health and intellectual/developmental disabilities. What job looks at your history of being bipolar and a drug addict and says, "You're exactly what we're looking for"? This is the situation as I can provide insight since I've felt what they've felt and sometimes been where they are. 

     I'm only a week into it, but I had a wonderful three days shadowing a case manager who I've known for a couple years. We met in AA. He's four years sober off dope and alcohol & just graduated in August with his masters in social work. He's absolutely terrific at what he does so I'm grateful the stars aligned like this.

     The department we're in works with around 60 of the most severe mentally ill clients who have opted to utilize us, were admitted to a psychiatric hospital, or were ordered by the law. Most, if not all, are bipolar type 1, schizophrenic, or diagnosed with major depressive disorder. I've met a middle-aged woman who signed custody of her kids away but will tell you they tricked her. A 60-year-old man whose sentences make zero sense & who has an intricate contraption of chairs being stacked and held up by string tied to a curtain rod. One mousy woman hits her head against the wall until a knot forms and screams to try to keep the voices at bay. An older man lives in a cockroach infested motel room even though he has a quarter of a million dollars in his trust fund. 

     Friday was cool because back pay came in for a client who's been living under a bridge down the street and we were able to put him up in a motel for a month, providing a warm bed, a place to shower, and a homebase so he doesn't have to lug his belongings around town with him. The appreciation and joy radiating that man could outdo the sun. It was a beautiful thing to witness. I can only hope this is the beginning of these stories and I can continue to contribute to the betterment of society to the best of my capabilities.