
This month, CASES is highlighting our mobile treatment programs as a part of our #CareOnTheMove fundraising campaign. Today’s story comes from Richard, a longtime client who is working with CASES to find stability, independence and community.
Richard’s Story
Richard, who asked to be identified with a pseudonym, arrived at CASES almost three years ago after cycling in and out of psychiatric hospitals for decades. At first, he was resistant to treatment – the mental healthcare system had failed him throughout his life, and he didn’t trust the new crop of CASES social workers who started visiting him once a week at the apartment he shared with a roommate.
We never give up on clients. So, slowly but surely, our mobile treatment team began to build a connection with Richard and after several months, he restarted his medication and has stayed on it to this day. Despite being highly independent, working with CASES has given him the stability and confidence he’s needed to step outside his comfort zone, attending group dinners and therapy sessions with other mobile treatment clients.
Today, Richard enjoys spending time in nature and exploring different neighborhoods around the city. He reads the news every day and watches his New York sports teams whenever they’re on.
He recently shared that he’s working with his CASES team to find his own apartment, “My weekly visits are getting me ready to take on the responsibility of living alone in the community. They really support me like I’m a family member.”
At CASES, we know that independent doesn’t mean alone, and when Richard does finally move into his apartment, his mobile treatment team will be right there with him to offer care and community for as long as he needs it.
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Richard is one of hundreds of New Yorkers CASES serves every year with mobile treatment services. Make a year-end donation to CASES to support our mobile treatment programs.