Diagnosed with schizophrenia and struggling with substance abuse, Bernard found himself homeless. After multiple hospitalizations, he was brought to the attention of The Jewish Board’s Adult and Family Residential Services, who placed him in a community living facility. This is his story.
A Lifetime of Mental Health Challenges
Bernard, a 38-year-old African-American from Louisiana who has been a New Yorker for more than 15 years, struggled with mental health issues, substance use, and trauma symptoms his entire life. Along with schizophrenia, Bernard has been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, which leads to extended periods of depression, feelings of hopelessness, and acting out aggressively when provoked.
Though he wanted to build a fulfilling life, Bernard was only able to find occasional day labor and experienced chronic homelessness. While sheltering at a train station, a member of the MTA/New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance referred Bernard to an emergency men’s shelter. Sadly, Bernard’s mental health issues continued to worsen at the shelter, and he was subsequently hospitalized. After multiple hospitalizations, Bernard was able to qualify for supportive housing through the Jewish Board’s Adult and Family Residential Services.
Working Together to Make Change
The Jewish Board’s Adult and Family Residential Services Division offers safe, supportive, and affordable apartments all over the city, providing housing for 1,200 adults with mental health and/or substance use problems who have experienced homelessness. Ultimately, the goal is to help residents develop the skills needed to transition back to independent, fulfilling lives.
The team at Adult and Family Residential Services found an available space for Bernard at The Jewish Board’s Burnside Community Residence. Burnside residents are connected to an on-site network of professionals who help with medication supervision, access to social services, and educational activities. Despite being at a personal low point when he arrived, Bernard realized one of the keys to positive change was trusting people who offered to help. Goals were set to reduce his substance use, build independent living skills, and develop healthy interpersonal relationships.
I’m still so surprised and grateful that The Jewish Board would drop everything and help me.”
–Bernard
Quickly Addressing Challenges in Care
Six months into his stay at Burnside, Bernard and one of his neighbors from the program got into an argument in the elevator. The Burnside team immediately met with both of them separately to discuss the incident and reassure them that safety was a priority. While talking with Bernard, he took accountability for his actions and agreed to attend anger management classes and sessions with a mental health provider. Realizing he still had the staff’s support, Bernard also expressed feeling uncomfortable in a group living environment. There were too many people around, which made it difficult for him to self-regulate. The team took what they learned and decided to find Bernard new housing that better met his needs and could help him reach his goals. They started working to find him a private apartment by the following day.
His care team went above and beyond during these intense 24 hours, including staff who personally ensured Bernard’s safe transition to new housing by helping him purchase clothes, a new TV, and a phone plan. With his care team at his side, Bernard was moved to Apartment Treatment Housing, a program that would be more supportive of his personal needs for autonomy and space. Once settled in his new home, Bernard expressed appreciation for everyone’s dedication and support during this difficult episode.
A Better Future Within Reach
During Bernard’s first few months in Apartment Treatment Housing, staff from both programs alternated visits to make sure he felt acclimated to his new environment. Through continued mental health care, he has learned several tools that help him cope in moments of impatience. In time, his mood has lightened, and he now enjoys meeting new people and looks forward to cooking dinner. Bernard also has renewed interest in finding employment and has two interviews lined up – one helping with maintenance at his local grocery store and another as a porter for a property management company.
Reflecting on Bernard’s journey, one staff member said, “We’ve seen a different side of Bernard, one that’s thoughtful, responsible, and motivated. He should be proud of himself because we’re proud of how far he’s come and can’t wait to see where he goes next.”
*Names have been changed to protect the privacy of our clients.
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