Home :: Success Stories :: Yvonne - regaining custody of a child
The following is a statement by MHA case manager Synda Whitmer, given in February 2005.
Yvonne* came to the shelter after being hospitalized for a severe suicide attempt and being very psychotic. While she was in the shelter, she and her family determined that she was not able to care for her young son, and voluntarily gave custody of him to her mother. This was a very difficult decision for Yvonne because she and her son were very close and she loved him very much.
After being in the shelter for a while, she began to stabilize by taking her medications regularly, visiting with her doctor, and learning about symptom management. She began working at a local Albertson's as a Courtesy Clerk and was quickly promoted to Manager of the Bakery Department.
She applied for a Shelter + Care Voucher and was awarded subsidized housing. Upon moving into independent housing, she regained full custody of her son. They have been living together successfully since 2001.
Although she continues to struggle with her mental illness, she has created a healthy life for she and her son. I believe she is a true success.
*This name has been changed to protect privacy.
|
