After living a number of weeks in our homes, and working on our lawn crew or cleaning crew—and depending on the person, the illness, progress, and attitude—clients are approached by our employment counselors about working in the community.
Where our clients work in the community depends on where they want to work. Where have they worked before? What experience do they have? What are their limitations and strengths? A whole slew of practical factors are considered, potential jobs are searched for, applications are filled out—sometimes resumes—and job interviews are conducted, all with the guidance of Caramore staff.
Beginning the job, transportation issues, and even possible on-the-job-coaching, are provided by Caramore. In fact, one of Caramore’s main objectives is to make sure you have everything you need to keep the job.
Landing that first job in the community is a big step at Caramore. It can be stressful but also exhilarating, leading to new confidence and feelings of self mastery. It can often be the first time that our clients can imagine a new life for themselves.
Clients at this time move from our family homes into our spacious supervised apartments, shared with one roommate. All of Caramore’s services continue—like psychiatric visits and coordination, medication monitoring, counsel, everything. What is new is the elemental shift to a bit more independence and responsibility. But the level of Caramore support remains safe and strong.
During this second Tier, clients are encouraged and mentored to pursue not just keeping their job, but some of the other things they love in life, like family, passions, interests, hobbies, and friends.
The vast majority of people that come to Caramore, end up working part time. They are working jobs that suit them at this particular time, providing them with meaningful and engaging duties that give them a sense of accomplishment and connection with the world. Other people depend on them and what they do. The hourly wages are climbing in
There is great diversity in backgrounds and interests and current after-work pursuits. Right now, there are clients…
- Pursuing a masters in library science
- Pursuing an associates degree at a community college
- Painting and showing works in galleries
- Continuing work in film and photography
- Attempting to get back into event planning
- Getting a GED
- Encouraging and leading in AA
- Doing on-the-side home-improvement projects
- Creating and recording music
- DJing
- Swimming, walking, running, lifting weights at the YMCA (free for all clients)
- Attending English as a Second Language classes
- Coordinating and leading a book-discussion club
- Saving for a car
- Dog-sitting for the weekend
- Defeating video games
- Modifying (tricking out?) a car
- Leading a support group for depression
- Discussing ACC sports
- Hanging out and smoking
- Attending movies, concerts, and coffee shops in
- Attending martial arts classes
D. Cooley
