Doug's Story
The mental health issues that Doug has faced for much of his life, and which sent him to the Oregon State Hospital, had been so severe that they previously kept him a virtual prisoner in his mother’s home -- for three years. Doug is doing much better after living in our new adult residential treatment house for three years.
It is easy to lose hope when living with a serious and persistent mental illness. Mentally ill children and adults often face repeat hospitalizations and miss out on things most of us take for granted like getting a job, dating or going to college. Many become victims when trying to make it on their own, outside the mental health system. Doug was severely beaten one night after approaching a stranger. He had wanted to talk about how to make the world a happier place.
The LifeWorks NW Horizon and Hazelwood Houses are part of our program designed to provide a transition point for adult men leaving the state hospital. Five residents live in each home, where they learn life skills and receive therapy for their mental health issues. With the help of our skilled counselors, they gradually learn to be more independent in a caring, supportive environment.
In his new home, Doug is now safe, stable on medications, working with a therapist to deal with his mental health issues and beginning to set goals. He wants to go to school and eventually get a good steady job. We are happy to provide Doug and the other residents with this opportunity to reclaim their lives. Doug and his family are happy that he’s home.