Program helps those with mental illness achieve job success
When a person is traveling the road to recovery from a severe mental illness, oftentimes, stigma and a lack of understanding from others can put up roadblocks that can be difficult to navigate.
Trinity Services' Individual Placement and Support Program works to help people successfully navigate those roadblocks by assisting them in obtaining and keeping employment.
After working with Trinity's placement program for just six months, client Jean acquired a job she loves with Aramark. She prepares and serves food at an elementary school near her home in Naperville, ensuring the students stay nourished, happy and healthy.
Jean needed some support gaining employment because of her mental illness. Through working with program supervisor Katie Reyes, Jean learned skills such as how to cope with stress on the job, how to manage tasks and how to keep composure when something frustrating happens.
Jean also has learned to look at work as a coping mechanism for anything that might be stressful or upsetting in her personal life.
Since gaining employment in early May, Jean has built upon these skills and impressed her supervisors, earning their praise for the work she does, and for the joy she brings to her co-workers and the students she serves.
"At long last, I'm making some money," Jean said. "My goal in the long run is independence, and I'm on my way there."
Jean lives in a group setting where she takes turns with her housemates preparing meals, cleaning and taking care of other housekeeping duties.
She works three hours each day at the school, serving five different lunch periods. Her favorite part of the job is getting to interact with the students.
In her free time, Jean volunteers with her church and attends community events.
Jean said she intends to keep working with Aramark after her time with the Trinity program comes to a close, once she has successfully completed 90 days of employment. After that, she'll be able to access services to help her with coping skills and any other concerns she may have once she has completed the program.
"A lot of people want an opportunity to do a job," Jean said. "I want to create awareness of mental health issues and diversity so that there is a chance for everybody to work."
For information about Trinity Services' Individual Placement and Support Program, call (815) 462-3652.
Trinity Services is a 67-year-old, nonsectarian, nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children and adults with developmental disabilities and mental illness live full and abundant lives. Trinity serves more than 3,500 people in 31 communities in Will, Cook, DuPage, Grundy, Peoria, Jackson, Madison and St. Clair counties, and Reno, Nevada. To learn more, visit trinity-services.org.