Poverty is a herculean problem facing the mentally ill. Even though on Social Security, the amount being given is below poverty level. That also means that there are fewer opportunities for housing. Most housing properties have a minimum income requiring the individual to make a certain amount of money (usually yearly) and Social Security falls short by about 5000 dollars or more.
This means fewer choices and long waitlists. It is not impossible though, to get off of Social Security and integrate into the community. But, some fellow co-workers, when they find out that you are disabled (because they will find out) start to become hostile to whatever you bring to the table because to them you are taking a job away from someone who needs it. Well, I need a job too. I want to be a productive citizen and pay my taxes instead of spending them. But, work, once it is out, well, the workers make working unlivable and create problems to make you quit.
There are programs out there to give incentive to the disabled to work. The thing is, is that The Ticket-To-Work Program requires you to disclose to your potential employer that you are disabled so they can receive a subsidy when hiring you. But it is like a catch 22 so to speak. If you tell your potential employer that you are mentally disabled, most likely you won't get the job.
Everyone has ambition and why should the mentally ill be any different? Just because someone is ill, this should not preclude an interview. I want to fulfill my potential and am having a difficult time finding my niche. But, I am still trying. Now, I am in college for a degree in psychology to become a peer to peer counselor and it will be my last hurrah. I tried cosmetology. I tried engineering. Now, I will be trying to fit into the health field. More specifically,
the mental health field.
Along the way, well, I am learning a lot about what is normal thought and what is abuse. I am learning that most of my reservations about strangers is actually normal. Especially after what I have been through as a child and as a dependent adult. I am actually very independent when comfortable. I am learning how to bring myself out of poverty, but it is taking a long time. Nothing will happen overnight. My graduation is many years away, and I am trying to be patient getting there. It will be well worth it when I get there. Hopefully, this will pull me out of poverty and restricted status.
ABC's in Mental Health Circles
Housing Resources Here and Here
Here are Young Adult Programs
Don't give up on your dream. You have a place and you will find it.
This means fewer choices and long waitlists. It is not impossible though, to get off of Social Security and integrate into the community. But, some fellow co-workers, when they find out that you are disabled (because they will find out) start to become hostile to whatever you bring to the table because to them you are taking a job away from someone who needs it. Well, I need a job too. I want to be a productive citizen and pay my taxes instead of spending them. But, work, once it is out, well, the workers make working unlivable and create problems to make you quit.
There are programs out there to give incentive to the disabled to work. The thing is, is that The Ticket-To-Work Program requires you to disclose to your potential employer that you are disabled so they can receive a subsidy when hiring you. But it is like a catch 22 so to speak. If you tell your potential employer that you are mentally disabled, most likely you won't get the job.
Everyone has ambition and why should the mentally ill be any different? Just because someone is ill, this should not preclude an interview. I want to fulfill my potential and am having a difficult time finding my niche. But, I am still trying. Now, I am in college for a degree in psychology to become a peer to peer counselor and it will be my last hurrah. I tried cosmetology. I tried engineering. Now, I will be trying to fit into the health field. More specifically,
the mental health field.
Along the way, well, I am learning a lot about what is normal thought and what is abuse. I am learning that most of my reservations about strangers is actually normal. Especially after what I have been through as a child and as a dependent adult. I am actually very independent when comfortable. I am learning how to bring myself out of poverty, but it is taking a long time. Nothing will happen overnight. My graduation is many years away, and I am trying to be patient getting there. It will be well worth it when I get there. Hopefully, this will pull me out of poverty and restricted status.
ABC's in Mental Health Circles
Housing Resources Here and Here
Here are Young Adult Programs
Don't give up on your dream. You have a place and you will find it.