Suddenly delusional and overcome with irrational thoughts, Ed checked himself into the hospital. He was 22, living at home, and employed. But that all changed upon admittance to the psychiatric ward and a schizophrenia diagnosis.
Concerned that returning home would exacerbate Ed’s condition, doctors and county officials recommended community-supported housing, ongoing treatment, medications, and case management services from Caminar. That was 50 years ago.
Today, Ed is still a Caminar client and shares, “Without Caminar, I’d be in a locked ward and have had no chance at a normal life in the community. I’ve had friends and cherished relationships for years, and I wouldn’t have had that without a tremendous social environment like Caminar.”
In the last 50 years, Ed has worked hard to stabilize his mental health, work, and get his college degree. It hasn’t always been easy, but he is grateful for the journey and the ongoing support of Caminar. Despite incarceration, homelessness, hospitalizations, Ed says that Caminar has always “picked me and put me back on track.”
While housing has changed many times over the years, with the help of Caminar, he’s never been unhoused. He’s benefited from employment support, supported education, and group therapy – especially coping skills groups. His case managers over the years have assisted with dental care and treatment, eyeglasses, establishing an advanced directive, among many other daily living supports. “I have someone I can confide in about my problems, and I really appreciate it,” says Ed about his relationship with his case manager. In turn, Ed’s current case manager observes that he is spiritual, mindful of others, and often looks inward to find peace and serenity. He’s truly a pleasure to work with and support.
When asked about a memorable experience during his 50-year history with Caminar, Ed describes a challenging time in 2013 when he was hospitalized after a mental health crisis. Doctors planned to move him to a locked facility in the Central Valley. He was terrified he’d never lead a normal life again. Ed’s case manager advocated on his behalf, and he was referred to Caminar’s Redwood House, a residential crisis program. At Redwood House, he was able to recover, re-stabilize his condition, and consider how best to move forward in life. He learned his boundaries, began asking for help when needed, and realized that going along with the Caminar program prevents undesirable consequences.
“I was rescued by Caminar.”
-Ed
