Success from Both Sides

Success From Both Sides

STAFF SIDE:

I first met with Dayna two years ago. When I first came to her home, she was closed off from the world and practically refused to leave her room. She woke up late in the afternoon, often called out from her part-time job, and was unsatisfied with the direction in which her life was headed. She refused therapy, but weekly case management proved therapeutic. As her case manager, I was tasked with providing the support Dayna needed to lead an overall healthier lifestyle. I encouraged Dayna to utilize the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) to find a field she would enjoy learning about and working in.

I maintained that Dayna retain her part-time job, by working on her daily life-skills. We spoke weekly about her family issues and her unstable mood, by explaining the reality of life and what would happen if she loses their (the family’s) support. Through our assistance, she was able to obtain Medicaid and access her Social Security benefits.

As a result, Dayna recently completed Massage Therapy School and is excited to soon start working as a Massage Therapist. I encouraged her to become more social and took her out for therapeutic walks around the neighborhood. She also made changes to her health by starting to exercise at the gym and changed her eating habits to include healthier choices. Dayna’s mood has greatly improved with the help of medications prescribed by her doctor and the weekly discussions we have about compliance and using coping skills when feeling stressed or anxious. She is both motivated and excited to enjoy the independence she has achieved with the help of Easterseals New Jersey Somerset ICMS program. I am so proud of her hard work and continued progress.

-    Farzana Haider (Somerset ICMS program)

CONSUMER SIDE:

I am so thankful to have been a part of the Easterseals NJ program for the past two years. Under the supervision of a wonderful case manager, Farzana, I have been able to grow, mature, and become more independent. Feeling more confident, I started school again, leading to a degree and licensing as a massage therapist. I felt very excited and satisfied to have accomplished this goal. In addition to this, my case manager has encouraged me to exercise, maintain a healthy diet, and be consistent with my daily routines.

I always enjoy participating in the social activities she plans for me, as well as learning a new craft. My case manager has been a mentor to me since our very first day together. She has always been open, available, caring and reliable for me. Depending on the particular day and circumstances, there may be many challenges for me to deal with, but she has been there to guide me in the right direction. I will always treasure that.

I am also grateful for the love and support my mother and father have given me. They have helped me overcome even my worst days, being by my side with understanding and unconditional love. I am truly fortunate to have such a family to comfort me, love me, and to rely upon.

-    Dayna

Last updated: October 31, 2017

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