In January of 2022, Ian* was dropped off by police at a hotel in Lewisburg. Twenty-six years old and struggling with a mental health diagnosis, Ian was estranged from his family and had no place to turn. He was referred to CAA, where a case manager was able to secure housing, rental deposit, and utilities for Ian in order to get him out of the hotel. Ian's case manager worked closely with him to find the other kinds of support he needed, including consistent appointments with a therapist and health professionals, as well as referrals to various agencies that were able to supply basic furniture and food needs.
Over the next few months, Ian struggled with his mental health and had moments where it may have looked, to anyone else, like a step backward. But his own determination paired with the support of his case manager helped him to self-correct, maintain his apartment, and work his way up into better and better jobs at various local fast-food restaurants. As he continued to show improvements in his mental and physical health, Ian's case manager (with his permission), began to update his parents on his success. Thrilled with their son's progress, they started giving him rides to work and spending more quality time together as a family. Ian continued to earn more income, stabilize himself, and by 2024, he was able to pay the entirety of his own rent without CAA assistance.
Ian is now employed full-time with a prominent local company and was able to move into a new apartment nearer to his work. With the help of his family, he was also able to get his driver's license and a vehicle and told his case manager that if he received his security deposit back, he'd like to donate it to CAA, to help other people in need.
While Ian's journey wasn't linear, and there were difficulties along the way, he is now thriving and surrounded by the support of his family to help him continue towards the success he deserves. His case manager said this of Ian:
"When we met, he was a very sad, depressed young man. Now he smiles and holds his head high and is proud of his accomplishments. I am so proud of the young man he has become."
*The name of this customer has been changed to protect their privacy.
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