TESTIMONIALS
Since then, I have been able to become very active as a Volunteer as back-up for staff in support of many different and varied tasks which help me to know that I am making a real difference within the program helping others who are as much in need as I once was when I first got accepted into the program. I like where I am in life, and I KNOW, that with the help and guidance of Clearwater, I am on my way towards better things every day!
God bless Clearwater!
Thank you.
Gerayl Harrison
Robert's Story
December 30, 2013
In April, 2008, I was hit by a train and was transported to Riverside Community Hospital. While there, I had 2 reconstructive hip surgeries. Around November-December of 2005, I came to Clearwater for the first time. After about 2 years, I had to leave Clearwater to take care of my mother during her last days.
Shortly after she passed, my sister asked Clearwater if they could take me back. My mom had left me her house, but I had too many issues, health and otherwise , and rented it out. I went back to Clearwater, and eventually became a Volunteer as a House Manager.
I have had many issues in my life, ear problems since I was 12 years old, I am permanently deaf in one ear. Then the train accident. After that, a heart attack in March 2010, and I have had congestive heart failure and COPD . In May, 2012, the state of California declared me Permanently Disabled.
A lot of other programs would not have done nearly as much for me, much less given me the opportunity to Volunteer, and be useful to the program and the other people in it! This program has truly been a lifesaver in every sense to me, and I thank God every day that He sent them my way when I needed help. It has been hard, but I am surviving, and getting a little better all the time. I plan to stay at Clearwater just as long as long as they decide to let me!!
Robert Lee
James’ Story
December 9, 2013
My name is James Lawrence. I am 52 years young, and I have been at Clearwater Residential since November, 2011. On November 24th, 2011, I was told to leave my apartment due to –No job, No Money!!
After several fruitless calls trying to get help from the County and various Churches and other programs, I finally found a list that included Clearwater. When I called, The Director of the program answered, and he told me a house had just been opened in San Bernardino, and when could I get there?!!
From day one, it was clear that this program will help you as much as possible, as long as you are willing and able to help yourself and others in the program. I had been stuck in a rut at my former place of employment, that and getting laid off had really lowered my self esteem and made me a bit depressed for a while, but finding a VERY positive attitude at Clearwater, and having things to do, helping others in the program, household chores, just talking to folks who didn’t often get a patient listener, and even fundraising helped me “get back in the game” in a very good way.
I have since been found to be useful enough in the San Bernardino home office to be House Manager, and trusted with Intake Interviews, also Managing the House, running errands to the other Houses as needed to cook, or solve issues on site, or to interview new clients who had not been interviewed before arrival, making calls to County DBH workers, hospital social offices, make appointments for those in program who have difficulty doing so themselves, and sometimes accompanying them to various county offices—S.S.I., TAD, DMV, etc.,
Sir: this is as far as I have gotten with this so far, please let me know where I need to make changes or improve the wording, also if I need to omit some of what I have already written.
Thank You.
Elizabteth’s Story
December 9, 2013
My name is Elizabeth Ashley Hamilton. I am twenty-six years old. I have been at Clearwater since June 18, 2007.
On June 6, 2007 I as in an auto accident due to drugs and alcohol and was taken to Arrowhead Hospital, Arrowhead, CA. I temporarily lost the use of my right leg and required surgery. Carl Buford came to Arrowhead Hospital to meet with me to see if he could help. Due to my accident and the damage done to my knee, I couldn’t walk or shower for three months. The day after my surgery, Carl took me to the Fontana House. There he had everything and everyone I would need, from crutches and a shower chair to a live-in nurse who made me three meals a day.
My Grandma came to visit three days later and check up on me. Soon thereafter Carl arranged for me to go to the Behavioral clinic at Arrowhead Hospital where I began medication for my mental disability. I was in a wheelchair in Behavioral for three days and was then released to the Fontana house. I still go to the Behavioral clinic not only for medication but also for group therapy, and for drug and alcohol group therapy. Thanks to all this great support I’ve been clean and sober for ten months as of this writing.
I am fortunate to have a wonderful family that has been extremely involved in my recovery. My seven year old daughter lives with my parents and sister. We see each other at least twice a month. I even get to go to my parents’ to stay a few days occasionally. My wonderful grandma, who has gone beyond the call-of-duty on numerous occasions, just purchased a bicycle for me for short trips (I cannot drive). I talk to them all daily.
Carl Buford has helped me accomplish many goals that were set for me. Arrowhead Hospital has insurance that covers people on a low income and the homeless. I applied and received it along with back pay from the time of the accident until the present. They take care of everything from my full leg brace to my medications to physical therapy. I’ve also applied for state disability insurance and received it. Thanks to that, I can pay my rent. Also, vocational rehabilitation has offered their support while I wait for my Social Security Disability to come through.
I’ve applied to a local college’s business administration program. In the future, I would like to work behind the scenes at a charity like Clearwater. My future looks bright now.
UPDATE
December 30, 2013
As of the time of this writing I have made a decision, with the help and support of my family, that I would stay at Clearwater as a Volunteer once I got stable with my life again.
I cannot say enough good things about this program, and the wonderful people in it. I'm truly blessed , and energized about where I am right now in my life. I think I was right—my future looked bright to me in April of 2008, and it has turned out that way.
Elizabeth
Gerayl's Story
January 1, 2014
“THIS PLACE SAVED MY LIFE.”
My name is Gerayl Harrison, and I first became homeless in the fall of 2007. After much searching, all in vain, I called Clearwater. To my surprise the Director himself came to see me, and asked me about myself in a way that showed he was really interested in who I was, and how I had gotten where I was in life. Two hours later, I was allowed to become part of the program!
I was able to continue with my schooling, which I hope to finish this next semester. I was also helped by Clearwater to re-connect with the V. A. Hospital, where I had been needing to be seen for multiple ailments for some time. Then Clearwater put me in touch with Behavioral Health for additional services.
