"Life isn't about finding yourself…it's not about finding anything, really. It's about creating yourself." —Bob Dylan
India is a kind, thoughtful, and deeply gracious woman. There is a powerful sense of pride evident when you talk with her. It is the kind of pride that comes from living a life of vast experience. India's ups and downs, and her ability to evolve with them, is one of her greatest strengths. She is a survivor. India hasn't found her life, so much as; she has created the strong woman that she is today.
India first became aware of ACCES-VR around twelve years ago. After receiving a dual mental health diagnosis, she was enrolled in the program and began her career journey. Her journey begins, and ends, in the same place: Horizon Health Services, but with a world of difference between those two points. At ACCES-VR, India worked with two supportive counselors: Katherine Grace, and later, Brigid Howard. Together, they encouraged India to return to her education. In 2015, India graduated with an Associates degree in Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, as well as a Human Services certificate from ECC, and promptly caught the learning bug. She graduated this past May with an Associate of Science degree in Mental Health and Substance Abuse Counseling. Now, she plans on pursuing a degree as a licensed clinical social worker. During her studies, ACCES-VR helped her financially. Not only did they pay for her learning materials and provide transportation; they made sure she could dress for success and helped her update her wardrobe. This allowed India to feel more confident and contributed to her success. After completing her schooling, ACCES-VR put India in touch with, what she calls, the icing on the cake: Andrea Todaro and Innovative Placements.
"You could tell this lady loves what she does," says India with overwhelming excitement and enthusiasm, when asked about Andrea. "She lays out the steps for you to follow, and then gets right to work." Andrea revised India's resume, created a cover letter, and gave her a glowing letter of recommendation. India took full advantage and compiled her professional and personal references on her own. Then, Andrea prepared her for interviews. One of the most helpful things that Innovative Placements provided was extensive interview coaching with Andrea Samra. "It sharpened my interview skills, and the practice questions were so helpful…when I was in interviews very similar questions would appear, and I could answer them spot on!" Within two days of initiating the mass distribution blast, India was getting calls for job offers. In total, India would apply for 25 different human service positions. Her first lead was for a job as a case manager at Cazenovia Recovery Systems. It was a good offer, but India declined because the position required travel and access to her own transportation. Soon after, another offer came in, and India accepted her current position at Horizon Health Services. India was impressed with the speed at which Andrea's process yielded results. "It gives you the feeling that everything is looking up!" she says. "She sees you like a human being!"
India's current position is as a Treatment Assistant for substance abuse rehabilitation at Horizon Health Services. She works the A-shift overnight. Her "day" begins in the late afternoon; when she starts getting ready for work and makes a light lunch to eat during her shift. After this, she has about an hour of free time to relax. She usually spends this time playing Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. Pretty cool! Then she either goes to catch the bus, or carpools with a friend to work. She arrives promptly at 11:30 and her shift runs until 8:00 the following morning. The half hour from then, until midnight, is when the shift changes. During this time, the previous shift worker briefs India and the one or two nurses on duty with her. At this "huddle," any significant events including clients that may be struggling with their situation are discussed. Then, India sets up the lounges where the clients will have breakfast the following morning. Following that, she plays the role of quartermaster, and makes sure the supply closet is fully stocked with the appropriate linens; if not, India starts the laundry, and resupplies the depleted items. She does the same with the toiletries and client scrubs. Then, she makes her rounds to ensure that everyone is safe and comfortable for the night. Finally, she settles in to address the administrative paperwork—making sure it is completed to her satisfaction. The paperwork includes her rounds sheets, requisition forms for detoxes, and release forms for various discharges or transfers. It's a busy night!
India's natural empathy allows her to relate to her clients. "They can tell when you are being genuine, and when you are not," explains India. "They can sniff it out!" India always approaches from a place of deep respect. "I am able to develop great rapport. I like to encourage and reassure. To remind them it's a process—this is just one chapter in the book of life. Sometimes they can't see the end result; I always try to keep it real." The combination of mental health and addiction issues digs a hole that can be difficult to escape. Sometimes, the effort to climb out can be too much and surrender becomes too easy. "Glorifying the war stories; I don't allow that on my watch. I redirect the conversation!" As an alternate approach India asks, "What do you want to get back? Where do you want to go moving forward?" The clients in her care will either be discharged, sent to a longer care facility; like Horizon Village, or in certain situations, moved to ECMC. Many of the clients rebuild their lives, go back to school, and find jobs. Horizon hires from within, and some past clients choose to become employees and pay their knowledge forward.
India loves her job! "I look forward to work," she says happily. She knows what it is like to work through difficulties. She enjoys helping others navigate their trauma. In her current position, India makes fifteen dollars an hour, adjusted an additional two dollars since she works the night shift, plus overtime. In her first two weeks, she worked an industrious 140 hrs. She also has control over her own schedule, which allows her to work around her other commitments.
When you are creating your life, it is important to maintain goals. India believes in this; Katherine Grace, Brigid Howard, and Andrea Todaro believe the same thing. "Give yourself some time and little goals will turn into bigger goals. Address your issues—make sure your mental help is taken care of and that you are in a good place. Get those addressed and then move onward. It's baby steps. Write down your goals, and the steps you need to take to achieve them, and you can accomplish them."
India knows the value of hard work and has put in the effort to succeed. With the help of ACCES-VR and Innovative Placements she has built the life she wants. "I count my blessings every day!" India beams!
— Martin Kilroy, Writer for Innovative Placements