Inclusion

Mental Health Client Lands a Dream Job and a Home

As a teen, Danny dreamed of being an auto mechanic. He pursued that dream at Truman College and even landed a job in the field. He quickly discovered that he really didn’t enjoy it. After experiencing symptoms of mental illness, he wanted a job that could help him manage his health needs. His employer shifted him to a janitorial role.

That worked. “It was easier and more flexible,” he said. Then Danny spotted a position online that really excited him: a janitorial role at Wrigley Field. He has worked at Wrigley for one year with the aid of Envision’s Community Support Team. He also has moved out of a group home into his own apartment.

“The goal is two-fold: resilience and recovery,” explained Jean Xoubi, Senior Vice President of Mental Health and Business Development. “Once resilient, individuals should be better able to get on and stay on the road to recovery, including holding a job and becoming self-sufficient.”

Host Family Program Delivers Warm Welcome

Within a span of four months, the two most important people in Terrill’s life were gone. His brother died in January 2021. In April, complications from Covid claimed his mother. At 51, Terrill suddenly needed a home. Envision’s Host Family Program places adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in compatible homes. But the pandemic made it difficult to make those vital in-person connections.

The shift to virtual meetings, allowed Maggie and Jerome Harris to visit with Terrill online. The couple had fostered four teens and had previously hosted an Envision member. When Host Family Coordinator Latonia Everett told them about Terrill, they were eager to host again.

That first meeting was followed by weekend visits, and the two men quickly bonded over sports.

In late August, Terrill moved into the Harrises’ Southwest Side home. In September, he took time off from work and joined his host family for a nine-day vacation in Las Vegas, where the Harrises have property.

“Terrill is such a warm person. He just touched my heart. We just fell in love with him. I tell everybody he’s my son,” said Maggie Harris, who also has a grown daughter. “He likes helping around the house. He’s perfect in every way.” http://1cau.se/aEN

By all accounts, this pairing was a match made in heaven—an outcome the Envision Host Family program strives to achieve. They exceeded their placement goals for 2021, despite the pandemic challenges. And they anticipate another successful year—no matter what challenges arise.