There are No Limits to Caring

Living on the streets under normal conditions had been hard enough for Susie*, who suffers from bipolar disorder; but with winter quickly approaching she knew she needed to seek help if she was going to survive the snow and ice.  Unfortunately, this was not the first time she has asked for help. The winter before she sought Volunteers of America Chesapeake’s assistance and was referred to a substance abuse treatment facility. But that winter wasn’t Susie’s first time asking for help either. She was also referred to – and placed – in a shelter three times by Volunteers of America Chesapeake staff. However, her stay in the shelter and the treatment facility were short and unsuccessful due to Susie’s failure to conform to program rules.

 But Volunteers of America Chesapeake staff refused to give up. “There are no limits to caring,” is the motto used frequently at Volunteers of America Chesapeake and the staff was determined to find a way to get Susie off the streets and into a home where she could be self-reliant and make positive life changes.  This time when she came back to Volunteers of America Chesapeake to ask for help, emphasis was placed on her mental health treatment.  Staff linked her with Volunteers of America Chesapeake’s psychiatrist first, and then referred her to a local public mental health service provider for long-term treatment. This unique approach and the hope Volunteers of America Chesapeake staff instilled in her made all the difference in Susie’s commitment to change her life.  She remained compliant with her mental health treatment, which allowed her to meet the qualification to enter a supportive housing program. In one month’s time Susie moved into an apartment where she now pays full market rent.  Although her life brings about continued challenges, thanks to the support and services Volunteers of America Chesapeake provided, Susie happily states that for the first time in a long time she does not see herself returning to shelter this winter.

By Courtney Dunn