A Home!

On Thursday, one of my new clients, the very trusting one, moved into her own apartment after 10 years of homelessness. She's young, and she hasn't had a home for all of her adult years. When she heard her move-in was going to happen, she shrieked in happiness. And, importantly, her cats came with her. Well, at least two of the three came with her -- the third is still in the woods at her campsite because she is worried that he won't do well transitioning to indoor living. He's wild, and used to his freedom.

I went to see her on Friday. As I left my office, it started pouring rain. I thought how good it must feel to have a real roof, and not a tent, in such a downpour. 

She met me at the door of her new place. She told me she was worried about one of her cats -- that she thought he was going to die. He had been hiding under blankets since she moved in on the day before, and was crying loudly in the night. So we talked about cats, and how stress affects them. He was under the blanket, but purred when I petted him. I reassured her and told her he looked healthy and that if she gave him a few days, he would adjust. 

As we talked, he started exploring, jumping on the kitchen counter and poking his nose into cabinets. She found these two cats when they were kittens, and ill. She nursed them back to health and they are her family. Her last week in the tent, she fended off a raccoon who had found the cat food and who had been tearing holes in the walls of the tent. She was really ready to come indoors. 

On her first night in the apartment, she slept in a chair on the front porch. Her bed and the couch and floor were full with her community supporters who had joined her for a slumber party. Friday night, she planned to sleep in her bed. After a nice bath.

She said she didn't have food. She opened her refrigerator and we took stock -- she had leftovers from her move-in party, and a couple of frozen pizzas. She said she didn't know how to grocery shop. So we talked about what she'd like to eat, and what she knew how to cook. She made a list, and we went to the grocery store. Milk, butter, eggs, cereal, chicken, hamburger, bread, canned spinach and corn. She'll make spaghetti and hamburgers and baked chicken. 

On days like these, I love my job. 

A whole team in the community helped make this move happen -- young, earnest workers from the Community Empowerment Fund, a group that is working to fight homelessness through strategies to tackle poverty bit by bit (and who came to the apartment for a slumber party on her first night!); Housing for New Hope, a group that works with the homeless and helped with start-up costs; CASA, an agency that provides supportive housing for persons with psychiatric disabilities; Orange Person Chatham Community Operations Center, the program that administers the Shelter Plus Care program that funds housing for the homeless, regardless of income.

There's more to do, and now that she has her apartment, we'll all work with her to help her keep it. 

And we'll figure out what to do with the cat she left behind.

Cry for Help

At 5:10, my phone buzzed. Our administrative assistant asked if I could take a call from a mother of a son with schizophrenia. I rolled my eyes, looking at the pile of work on my desk that I needed to get through before I could go home, and said “It’s after five! Stop answering the phone!” But I took the call. The woman on the line sounded like my mom—southern and genteel. Her 50 year old son had schizophrenia, and he wouldn’t let his family in his house. He had shut them all out. He got angry when his family members suggested he needed help, and specifically needed medications. He told them his neighbors were pumping gas into his apartment, and trying to poison him. He was angry and scared, but wouldn’t let his family help him. As she told her story, she started crying, and said “I don’t know what to do. I love my son, and he needs help. I don’t know where to turn.” My eyes welled up, too, feeling guilty about my reluctance to take the call. I swallowed and said “I’ve talked to many families in your situation. You’re not alone. I can help.”

She then told her story—of how her son, though smart and well-educated, always had difficulty holding a job. Seven years ago, he had a psychotic episode. He was hospitalized and treated with medications that were effective. His parents stayed with him in his apartment while he got better, then sold their house in their rural community. They bought a new house in his community, and he lived with them while he recovered. He got a good job, and they continued to support his recovery. About a year ago, he moved into his own apartment.

It’s not uncommon for persons with schizophrenia to stop taking medications. And some may be able to do fine without them. But frequently, psychosis reemerges, and families find themselves at a loss. What to do, how to help?

So we talked, and I went through how to access emergency mental health services. I reviewed the process for an involuntary commitment, with no sugar coating, as this is a terrible thing for a family to have to do, and the response to someone with mental illness is not always humane.  She asked what would happen to her son if she did this – again, no sugar coating, as emergency room waits are long and torturous for someone who is psychotic, and the promise of good treatment once a hospital bed is found is not guaranteed. I gave her phone numbers – the county crisis center, the mobile crisis team, the family support group, NAMI. And I crossed my fingers, hoping that she’d be able to get some help for him, and for her. And in my mind, I knew there had to be a better way, but this is what we have in NC.

I remembered another mother I knew, whose attempts at getting help for her daughter ended up with the daughter in jail for 22 days.  This mom and I spent hours on the phone with jail staff, advocates, mental health workers, hospital staff and anyone else we could think of, trying to get her out of jail and into treatment. She and I both worried that something bad would happen if we didn’t get her daughter out of jail. When I talked with the daughter after the ordeal, she told me how angry she had been at her mother, and how she had told the police officers who responded to the mental health crisis by saying she wanted to go to jail, not to the mental health crisis center. Unfortunately, they honored her request. Fortunately, she and her mother could laugh about the experience.

This is what I do—I listen to stories, I respond with compassion, information and hopefully good advice.  I hope that families will connect with other families through NAMI, and I wish that in all of this, the man who is terrified because of his paranoid delusions will come out of his house, and find some humane response that will allow him to rejoin his family, his work and his community.  It is a simple wish—its granting possible but elusive.

Happiness!

Today the quiet woman moved into her new apartment. And she smiled, and laughed, and told me that she was starting her life anew. She ran into an old friend at her new apartment complex, and neighbors greeted her with friendly hellos. She has a home. And she is happy.

Her new home is in an apartment building for people over age 55. In addition to having a home, she is joining a community. She is looking forward to the Spaghetti Dinner on Friday -- just $1.00. A fellow resident is donating all the food, and proceeds will be donated to support social events.

She signed the lease for the new place a couple of weeks ago--that day, we spent hours waiting by the phone to hear if it had passed inspection. She couldn't sign the lease until it did.

What do you do when you have a new home, but nothing to put in it? Last week, we went bed shopping. She bought a bed, and was there when it was delivered last week.

We had planned for her to move in on Monday. But on Monday, when I went to meet her at the shelter, she said she wasn't ready. The shelter staff had told her to provide a wish list of items for her move in. She did, but they said no to her wish list (3 pieces of furniture from Crate and Barrel -- a desk, a chair, and a bookshelf.) So she remade her list, but hadn't heard what they might provide for her. Instead of moving in, we strategized and made lists, and sought clarification -- what could/would the shelter provide?

Today, when I arrived at the shelter, she told me that staff had told her she would be moving out today. We asked about household items for her, and were told she could have a set of pots and pans. We loaded her stuff in my car, multiple garbage bags with clothes, books, and personal items, and unloaded them at her new apartment. Then we when shopping. Sheets, pillows, mattress pad, shower curtain, cleaning supplies, glasses. She knew exactly what she wanted, and where she wanted to shop. She spent $76.

I asked about food -- did she want to stock her kitchen? She said "Not yet." First priority -- cleaning and settling in. I helped her make her bed. Then I asked what she would have for dinner tonight. She thought McDonalds would be good. I took her there for a cheeseburger, small fries, fruit smoothie and an apple pie. Her celebratory dinner in her new home. She looks forward to cooking when she's ready -- but she's not quite ready for that.

I thought today of the things that help someone recover from mental illness: a home, a community, friends, choice and autonomy. These things are not in pill bottles, nor in therapy sessions. I wish I had a picture to show you -- the sadness and despair I saw when I first met this client, and the elation and hope today.

Connection

I met a new client this week. She didn't come to me through the usual route by scheduling an appointment, having her insurance verified, or through referral from the managed care company. She came to see me because someone had told her I would help her find housing. When she came into the clinic asking to see me last week, our clinic administrator was confused--this wasn't the way new clients came in. I spoke to the woman briefly, and asked her to come back to see me at an appointed time, as my schedule was full that day. I wondered if she would come back.

She did come back. We talked on Tuesday. My usual first appointment with a new client is a comprehensive clinical assessment. I have a list of questions, including everything possible about your life, the bad things that have happened, the good, and every possible vice you may have and when you first partook of it. It is the entry point for someone to receive services in the public mental health system.

This woman was too scared to tell me anything. She responded to most of my questions with silence, so I didn't ask many. She told me she didn't have a home. That she lost her apartment in January. And that she has disability benefits. No Medicaid, but she has Medicare (Medicaid is the "golden ticket" for mental health services; Medicare pays very little and many providers simply do not take Medicare patients anymore--too hard to make it work in the business model of behavioral healthcare. Often, someone with Medicare and disability benefits from Social Security had a good work history before becoming disabled, and their disability benefit is too high to qualify for Medicaid.)

The feelings I got from her were of deep sadness and fear. When I asked if she had had mental health treatment, she said she had been in the hospital and was given a diagnosis of schizophrenia and that she used to have a counselor at OPC Mental Health Center (the old community mental health clinic). She had a hospital bracelet on her wrist, and said she had been to the ER for stomach problems recently, but she couldn't remember exactly when. I could read her name and birthdate on the bracelet, but the date of the ER visit had worn off.

I told her it must be difficult not to have a home, and her eyes welled up with tears. I asked her where she was staying now, and she wouldn't tell me. I told her that I didn't have a home for her today, but if she would come and meet with me, I would help her find a home. I told her that being in our clinic usually meant seeing a doctor. She said she would be willing to do that, but indicated she was afraid of medications.

We made our first connection. Will she come back to see me? Will she tell me her story?

Understanding The Meaning Of Islam

The word Islam contains meaning in the following definition.

1) Linguistic Meaning:
First in Arabic language, it means submission and surrendering to the obedience of Allah, which means obeying to the injunctions of ruler without objection. Before the religion Islam arrived as a formal religion, the word was used for denoting the meaning without attaching any conversational context.


2) Idiomatic Meaning:
Holy Quran has described Holy Quran as the message of Prophet Muhammad (P. B. U. H). Although Islam was regarded as the theme of all the divine messages, the word was specifically chosen for denoting a particular title. The fact is that Quran transformed the word Islam from its linguistic meaning to the idiomatic meaning. Still there lies a common implication between both of the usages. It means that you are surrendering to the will of Almighty Allah and also surrendering to his with minimum objection. Therefore , the religion that Muhammad brought to humanity was known as Islam. This is used for a particular title for the message that is preached by the Seal of the Messengers and the word acquired has it certain devotional implications as well. Before this the world was unable to enjoy all these dimensions by avoiding any of the religious context except denoting the submission and obedience.

Definition of a Muslim:
The person who utter the two testimonies say ““Ashhadu an la ilaha il-lallah wa ashhadu an-an Muhammadan Rasulullah”, which means that “ I bear witness that there is no God save Allah, and I bear that Prophet Muhammad(P. B. U. H) is the last messenger of Allah, is regarded as a Muslim. Those who are born to the Muslim parents are also regarded as Muslims by birth.


1) The Faith:
This is a main and basic belief which is based on the complete rational and the intuitive convection and understanding. This degree and adherence of faith, and the Muslims who are able to attain a high degree of connection with Allah and adherence to his laws. He is the one who is known as the faithful. Therefore , a high degree than the submission as it is regarded as a true belief by the complete adherence to all the decisions of Islam that include devotions, laws, morals, systems and teachings. The Holy Quran also distinguishes between these two degrees of belief. One aspect is related with being a Muslim and the other is related with being a Mumim, the faithful. The true Islam can only be understood by reading and reciting the Holy Quran with translation. It displays a much higher degree of commitment and faith, it is also very much dependant on the intellectual ability of the believer and the psychological maturity as well.


2) Ostensible:
This is regarded as a weak and formal submission. It does not have any side effect as well, and is not considered as the integral part of practical life, it does not govern the social relations and activities. It is regarded as a superficial attachment to Islam that has no roots. The wrong perception or understanding is very dangerous to the Islamic society. It is a dangerous sign that tells about deviation and destruction as well, as this is regarded as the basic and first step on road that can lead to ignorance. If a man did not reach this stage of Islam, then there arises the gap between his ideology and practical conduct, and a great divide can occur between a person and Islam. It is also regarded as a cultural way of life.

 Find the related info about islam through the Cerita Islami

Business proprietor Requires a Company Value

Company Value Companies really are a crucial element of each and every company deal. They have to become carried out with a trustworthy Company Value Company for several crucial factors which will be talked about additional. The company Value Company used should also become a 3rd party to make sure objectivity from the value. Additionally talked about is going to be good common explanations why the owner of a business should get yourself a company value along with items which make a difference to worth.

There are lots of explanations why the owner of a business requires a company value. Any kind of company deal will require the value in advance in order to warrant the actual selling price as well as for the purchaser to consider the vendor significantly. Without having 1, there is certainly minimal opportunity the purchaser will certainly publish a package within the company. A company value additionally displays company owners their angle on the market as well as business. They are able to take a look at evaluation valuable motorists, advantages, weak points along with other aspects to enhance the worth as well as salability of the company. Proprietors regularily utilize company value companies for any value with regard to funding, companion divides, separation and divorce, property preparing and many more helpful factors.

Numerous company owners think these people understand what their own company may be worth. Each uses an easy computation to create a worth. This is often a breathtaking error. There is absolutely no 1 computation that may precisely figure out their market value. You will find financial, marketplace as well as atmosphere aspects, competitors, possibility of development, variety associated with consumer bottom, a lot of worth motorists, comparable product sales and several computations which effect worth. The purchaser testimonials all the items which effect worth to find out their own enjoyment self-confidence that it is powerful company worth a package.

Several secrets which are important whenever getting a company value tend to be privacy usually should be your first priority, an unauthorised company value can be used which is crucial to get skilled rendering with a trustworthy Company Agent just like a Neumann as well as Acquaintances. The majority of company owners just encounter 1 company deal within their long term, absence associated with deal encounter can result in extremely big errors. Dealing with a company agent that you could rely on like a Neumann as well as Acquaintances will make sure privacy.

The Neumann as well as Acquaintances has additionally been associated with a large number of company values therefore correct their market value is going to be based on a specialist 3rd party company value companies. Their own history like a trustworthy company numerous pleased customers is actually maintained company product sales frequently offered considerably faster compared to typical as well as for correct their market value along with great conditions. Company owners could be comfy they do not keep cash shared and also the deal is a win win.

The Neumann as well as Acquaintances offers more than more than 20 years associated with Mergers as well as Purchases encounter as well as 400 workplaces countrywide. Their own dedication in order to privacy as well as quality made all of them right into a top company agent company.

 Find the related info about business through the Home Business.