JP's Story

JP, a client of both The Friends Connection and another MHASP program, is living proof of the effectiveness of the Friends Connection program. After 16 years living in what he describes as "literal hell," JP is picking up the pieces of his life, with the help of two MHASP consumer operated programs.

JP was a talented musician and athlete who dropped out of college when he first became ill with schizophrenia. He spent years bouncing in and out of almost every psychiatric facility and detox center in Philadelphia, fighting both his mental illness and problems with alcohol and drugs. He heard voices, had violent episodes.

Due to the pain and suffering of his mental illness, on several occasions JP wanted to take his own life. He said, "if he took his own life, his pain would be over and he would be with the Lord where there is no suffering." JP endured periods of great loneliness; despite years of dogged attendance of Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, sobriety remained elusive.

Then, in 1997, having been stabilized on a medication that helped control the debilitating symptoms of his mental illness, he was introduced to the Friends Connection, where he met his peer support counselor. The two took walks together, ate dinner together, shot pool, went to jazz concerts and the theater, and attended recovery meetings. With this support, JP got back in touch with activities he liked and started to develop a healthy social network.

When he was ready to return to employment, Friends Connection introduced him to Mainstream, an MHASP vocational and life-skills training program that works with homeless people who have mental illness. Most also have a drug or alcohol addiction.

The Mainstream staff helped JP move out of his rented room into one of the program's one-bedroom apartments, enrolled him in its three-month job-readiness program, and provided intensive job counseling. An internship for JP led to a permanent part-time position as a transit clerk and a handyman.

Stable on his medication and sober, JP now plans to attend college. He is also president of the Friends Connection Alumni program and serves on the Friends Connection Advisory Board.