Families & PT Members
We sponsor ongoing orientation, support, and seminar activities for family members. For further information, visit News & Events.
FROM FAMILIES WHO KNOW US
A Brother’s Tribute
In the winter of 2004, one of our members, JB, died after a difficult struggle with cancer. During J’s memorial service, her brother spoke about his sister and her experiences in the Project Transition community. He described these remarks as a tribute to J and Project Transition. These are excerpts from his talk (used with permission):
“You have been such a wonderful family for J and provided her with what I believe were the best years of her adult life. All of your actions, big and small, helped J live her life the best that she could.”
“For thirty years, I searched for a program that could really help my sister. What I wanted the most for her were safety, support, and happiness. The search was unsuccessful until I found Project Transition.”
“You provided a safe haven, which starts with relationships. The therapeutic community was an important support that J valued. Above and beyond all the program activities, caring staff members, and clinical guidance, there was a lot of love.”
“Happiness is difficult to define, especially considering the ravages of mental illness. I don’t know if J found complete happiness in her life, but I do know that Project Transition helped reduce her pain and suffering. When the days were dark, the staff - and her peers - coached J how to get through them. She did not feel alone.”
“Living with a person who has mental illness is terribly difficult and stressful. It tears many families apart. Before Project Transition, I was continually haunted by anxiety about what my sister would do next and how the next crisis would unfold.”
“I remember how happy J was as a child and teenager. Ultimately, I am not sure if I succeeded getting total happiness back into her life. In the past few days, though, it has meant a lot to me hearing staff members describe their affection for J and how much they enjoyed her sense of humor.“
“Thank you all for the many ways you helped.”
A Mother’s Thanks
We received the following note from the mother of B, a young man who recently graduated from Project Transition:
Dear Doctors and Staff of Project Transition,
Our family thanks you all for the guidance and support that marked B’s stay at Project Transition. The life skills he has acquired already have made a difference, and will continue to be of great benefit in the years ahead. Your work is of great significance. Again, thank you.
Sincerely,
Amy B.
FROM MEMBERS OF PROJECT TRANSITION
Thank You, Project Transition
By Dawn W., a member of Project Transition
Before I came to PT, my life was out of control
Nobody could break through my self-made wall
I thought my chances were slim to none
I thought my life was done.
That’s when I was introduced to PT
They gave me a voice when I could not speak
They gave me vision beyond my sight
After awhile, I started to see the light.
Moments when I couldn’t see, they shined their light through
For that, PT, I thank you.
The staff and my peers have anchored my self-esteem
Pushing me further to embrace my dream
Never did I feel alone
PT has become my second home.
Looking back, it is a miracle I’m still here
The PT community was always near
Helping me to navigate through
Again I say, PT THANK YOU!
From the Rearview Mirror: A Member Looks Back
By Gary B., a PT member of Project Transition
Since I was a teenager, I’ve had lots of experience with the mental health system, including four psychiatric hospitalizations.
A year and a half ago, I was 27, living at home, and not doing much of anything.
I had paranoid thoughts. Everything was difficult. My friends slipped away. They didn’t understand me. My family and I were alone. I started feeling scared – as if something awful was going to happen.
When I first came to Project Transition, I was afraid that the people wouldn’t know how to take me. After a few weeks, things worked out. My meds were adjusted, which helped my symptoms. I began to feel more comfortable and made a couple of friends.
At PT, you really get to know the other members and the staff. When you share experiences, then talk about them, you feel more normal. I felt accepted when I realized that other people were struggling, too. My psychologist and psychiatrist helped me to see this.
I learned a lot at PT, including patience. Being patient with others has helped me be patient with myself. When my symptoms happen, I have found that it’s really helpful just to stop and take a look at what is going on.
The staff showed me how to do independent living things, like meal planning and cooking, working out roommate problems, dealing with finances, keeping my place neat, going to the health club, and having fun.
The community of PT taught me that it’s OK to fail, and that I have what it takes to get back on my feet. Working was a good example of this. Before PT, I was unemployed. After a few months in the program, I started a part-time job. My paranoia got bad – it was hard for me to manage. The job didn’t work out, but PT supported me in getting another one, and that job lasted a lot longer.
Now I’m in an even better spot. I have my own apartment near PT’s Chestnut Hill program. I work part-time at a hospital as a clerk. I get along with my coworkers, the work is a better fit for me, and it isn’t as stressful as my past jobs. I am also better at keeping my head together. I stay in touch with my PT friends and continue to see my psychiatrist and psychologist for outpatient therapy.
Project Transition helped me get here.