Working Towards a Brighter Future

Paul J was a chronic shelter user and first came to Shepherds of Good Hope in 2004. At that time, Paul was laid off from his recent employment and was evicted from his home. Paul also had anger management issues which were greatly manifested through his recreational drinking. Paul would often cause major disturbances in the middle of the night with his bunk mates in the shelter. Clearly, Paul’s life was spiraling out of control. In November of 2011, Paul decided to turn his life around when he joined the Worker Dorm Program. This is a program designed to help people maintain employment and secure more permanent housing. The Worker Dorm Program provided structure for Paul. He had to get ready for his job each morning at the same time and would get a bag lunch from the Soup Kitchen to take to work with him. During this period of time, his Case Manager worked closely with Paul to jointly achieve the goals he set for himself. He was prompted to take his medication every day. They worked together to budget and save for eventual housing outside of the shelter as well. The Case Manager set a plan for Paul’s conflict resolution skill building. Paul benefited from the patient and continuous support from the staff and his Case Manager. Over the following months, Paul was showing signs in many areas that he was actively working to improve his life’s circumstances. It all paid off. Paul left the shelter in February of 2012 with his medication stabilized, finances in order and coping skills to handle his anger issues. He has not used shelter services since but he will still stop in to say hi to the staff, grateful for the second chance that Shepherds of Good Hope made possible. To help us help others like Paul please click here.