Erasmo, who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and experienced homelessness multiple times due to his illness, was stabilized at Meadowview Hospital before being admitted to the Catholic Charities/Mount Carmel Guild residential program in Union City.
While in the program, he attended groups for education about his mental health, learned the importance of taking medication, and developed skills to cope with his feelings. He graduated from the Partial Care program in 2018 and has served as a role model for other residents at Union City residences. In the eight years Erasmo has been a resident in the group home, he has not been hospitalized for another mental health crisis.
This is what he says about his home at the Union City residence:
“This place has brightened up my life and eased the pain of being homeless,” he said. “I feel braver about my life. I have people who help me. I know that I can utilize my counselors, staff, and doctors.”
Erasmo credits Catholic Charities/Mount Carmel Guild for providing him with care and support and allowing him to face realities without experiencing another mental health crisis.
Are you or someone you love experiencing a mental health crisis? Our partners at Catholic Charities are available to help. Learn more about this dedicated agency at holidayfund.org.
Original story taken from nj.com