Treatment and Supportive Housing Pave Path to Success
“Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.” Author unknown
In April 2022, Pioneer Human Services’ Supportive Housing specialist, Debra Thompson (pictured right), enrolled Terrence (pictured left) into Pioneer’s Foundational Community Supports (FCS) Supportive Housing Services while Terrance was actively engaged in one of Pioneer’s former residential treatment programs. Prior to residential treatment, Terrence was living in his van in Whatcom County and finding it incredibly challenging to remain sober while homeless.
Homelessness Proves to be Barrier to Recovery
Terrence completed residential treatment and returned to his van where he was able to maintain sobriety for a brief period with the support of an Intensive Outpatient Treatment Program (IOP), local support groups, and the support from Debra Thompson (Debra) and other community partners. However, the solitude and isolation of living alone in his vehicle eventually became too much for Terrence to manage and he returned to substances for relief.
“During the approximate year-long period of time that Terrence was in active addiction, he continued to stay in contact with me, even if it was just a simple text message here and there. Terrence took the time to let me know that he was safe and alive. I continued to provide words of support and inspiration to remind him that help is ready whenever he is ready,” Debra shared.
Detox and Residential Treatment
Once his life became unmanageable, due to a substance use disorder and an untreated mental health diagnosis, Terrence decided it was his time to enter detox. Debra provided Terrence with the contact information so he could be screened for admission into the Skagit Community Detox program that Pioneer operates. Debra made sure check in on Terrence while he was detoxing, however, he was incredibly sick and remained in bed so Debra passed on words of encouragement and reminded him of the valuable opportunities that await him in his sobriety.
After detox, staff worked on transitioning Terrence directly into the North Sound Behavioral Health Treatment Center (NSBHTC) that Pioneer operates, where he was treated in a co-occurring treatment program for a dual substance use disorder and mental health issues. He remained in the co-occurring program for 56 days.
Terrence stated, “Participating in a two-month long treatment program and having a mental health and substance use counselor at the same time, helped me immensely as opposed to a traditional 28-day treatment center.”
While Terrence was still participating in the residential treatment program at the NSBHTC, he continued to work with his Supportive Housing Specialist, Debra, via phone, to secure ‘the next chapter of his life.’ They were focusing on New Earth Recovery, a nonprofit Christian organization operating six residential recovery homes in Skagit Valley.
The process took commitment and follow through on Terrence’s part as after the application itself, it was up to him to make weekly phone calls to New Earth Recovery to check in and show that he was truly committed to his recovery. During this time, Debra advocated with New Earth on Terrence’s behalf and a spot was secured that allowed him to transition straight from residential treatment into their recovery housing program. Terrence was now in a supportive home – not living in his car.
Gratitude
“Having access to the FCS program has impacted my life by advocating for me in the community and helping me connect with programs I would have never known about. Debra has been a solid rock in my life; someone I can turn to when I’m stressed, confused or just need another opinion. Having Debra in my life has been a profoundly positive asset in every single way and I’m so grateful for her and the Pioneer FCS program that employs her,” said Terrence.
Also during this time, Debra began the process of submitting community referrals that would later prove to benefit Terrance along the way. Such referrals include HARPS – through Lifeline Connections, SOR – through Catholic Community Services, lOP – through Consejo, and later a referral to the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.
The morning after Terrance arrived at New Earth’ Recovery’s Foundation House, Debra met him there in-person to support his transition into clean and sober living. Terrence told Debra, “Thank you for everything, I really think this is going to be a place for me to grow.”
Debra commented, “And ‘grow’ he has; the version of Terrence today is so far from the version that I greeted at his new home at New Earth on that foggy morning in 2023. Today, Terrence stands proud and tall with his head held high.”
Giving Back
“Terrence transitioned from the New Earth Recovery Program and moved into the Graduation House where he is the house assistant whose duties include leading morning devotions, administering drug screening and most of all making sure that the house is operating in at a safe and respectful level,” Debra continued.
Shelly Miller, Pioneer’s FCS Supportive Housing specialist – regional lead, added, “Terrence has come so far and has become such an amazing inspiration to so many others who are out there struggling like he was. It brings me complete joy to see his smiling face out in the recovery community reaching out and helping others. He is truly an inspiration and a rock for others…in the same way that Deb was a rock to him.” Shelly also said, “Terrence is out there helping to save lives in the same way that Deb was out there helping to save his. This is what I would call a great example of ‘coming full circle.’ I feel honored to have been able to watch and be part of this journey with both of them.”
Finding His Vocation
At First Step, a short-term housing program that gives those struggling with homelessness a step-up from of the streets, Terrence works many hours. Clients are provided a warm place to stay, a bed, food and most of all, love and compassion. Terrence’s lived experience of homelessness is now an absolute asset to his team at First Step and the individuals that he serves.
“I try to smile when I am at work because you never know what someone else is going through,” said Terrence.
Debra stated, “Terrence is a born leader who leads with compassion and commitment to those he cares for. He is enrolled in college at Skagit Valley Community College where he is studying to become a Substance Use Disorder Counselor. The world of behavioral health is already blessed to have him working in this field that can, at times, be filled with disappointment and sadness.” She added, “With Terrence’s deep understanding, integrity, and real-life experiences, he is sure to shine a positive light on each individual he serves.”
Terrence is an active member in the recovery community and brings a welcoming vibe to the newcomers that enter into the meetings. Above all else though, he has re-established not only a relationship with his daughter, but also, a true bond and connection with her. This has been his main goal throughout his sobriety and recovery, and the accomplishment of this re-unification has been a blessing to both Terrence and his daughter. He is putting in the hard work to repair the damage that was done in the past and his ability to accept his mistakes – and to learn from those mistakes – is what has made his goal obtainable.
Debra concluded, “It has been a pleasure, an honor and a true privilege to be involved in the building of Terrence’s foundation.”