David recalls a team of people in a van came by, gave him water, clean clothes, and a place to cool off from the heat. He was then transferred to Chalet Living & Rehab, where he was later connected with Trilogy. After some time at Chalet Living & Rehab, David was placed on a list to transition into the community, in his own living space. Just moments after he transition into the community, David was connected to NAMI Chicago’s In Home Recovery Support Program. His RSA, Brenda Bahena was to be his supportive peer for the next twelve months. Ensuring that David had the support he needed to ease the transition into a successful independent life.
NAMI Chicago’s In Home Recovery Support Program (IHRS) meets individuals where they are emotionally, empowering them to navigate what their recovery journey would look like. Providing tools and resources, but mainly joining them weekly as they navigate the community they live in and beyond.
David’s determination was top tier. As excited as he was to move into his own place, he recognized that it was going to be a change from his past living situation. From being unhoused to sharing a room with others in a facility where lights never turned off; David appreciated the silence. The ability to turn lights on or TVs off, yet recognized the silence could sometimes be “loud”. Yet, he made his new residence home, often getting compliments for how he took care of it.
On the top of David’s goals list was structure. After reaching abstinence of over a year from alcohol and even longer from opiates, David was looking forward to filling his days with purpose. Brenda and David would meet weekly in different areas of Chicago to learn of nice spots he can eventually go to on his own. One of their favorites, the Harold Washington Library, which is filled with resources for classes and groups to join. It opened a world of opportunity for David! He visited a group community garden, caught a free movie at the library, but most importantly, it gave him insight to what the city had to offer. Soon, David’s day was filled activities, including NAMI Chicago’s Story of Our Lives support group, which he frequents regularly.
David and his RSA, Brenda, meet weekly to catch up. Whether it’s in regard to his reconnection with family and frequent visits, navigating holidays using WRAP, along with other hurdles that come with everyday life. David now sees these hurdles as something he can overcome, while staying positive, knowing he has support from his Trilogy team, his RSA, and NAMI Chicago support groups and socials.
David is forever grateful for all those involved in his journey, “it started with the first person who gave me a chance, believed I truly wanted to get better. Leading to a domino effect of support that landed me where I am today.” His resilience and determination is one to be proud of and a great example that when we show up for ourselves and lean on the support of community resources, recovery is possible.