It was not until his early 20s that “Nelson” was diagnosed with schizophrenia. By that point his life was completely unmanageable. He experienced violent and disruptive episodes that had left him an outcast in his hometown. But still, he was luckier than most as he had a supportive family who never stopped advocating for him and the services he needed. With their help and encouragement he was able to move into an HES adult residential program. He received medications while also receiving outpatient mental health services. Today, Nelson lives independently in the Gloucester area and both he and his family are extremely proud of the progress he has made. He is working full time and is saving money for his future.

While he may always require the services of the HES clinic, the counseling, care and instruction he received have enabled him to be completely independent from other services.