Continuum of Care, Inc.’s mission is to enable people who are challenged with mental illness, intellectual disabilities, addiction, or homelessness to rebuild a meaningful life and thrive in the community.
Charle's Story
Charles is an Air Force Veteran from the Vietnam era. He says he feels like he suffers from PTSD, although he has never been officially diagnosed. He has struggled with substance use for a long time, and it almost ruined his life.
Here is his story:
“I first started with alcohol. Then one day I was introduced to cocaine. My life was getting really uncontrollable. My wife told me to go get help, that she loved me and didn’t want to lose me. She said she would stand by my side 100%.”
Charles has been a client at Continuum’s Veteran’s Crisis Services Home, and although he was discharged close to two years ago, he continues to stay connected.
“Being in Continuum’s VA House helped me so much. Listening to other veterans’ stories and sharing mine gave me so much hope. I feel so much love from the staff each time I have come back, and it wasn’t easy for me to accept that I couldn’t do it by myself.
I learned to put God first and then everybody else afterwards. When I feel weak and lonely I call the staff at the VA house and they make me feel what I need to feel to get through the day. They let me know they are so proud of me. No lie -- I call them every day. I tell my wife I just want to drive over there and stand outside and wave.
They saved my life, and I am so grateful… My wife thanks them too.”
Members of Continuum’s staff confirm that Charles calls them every day to check in and let them know how he is doing for the day. Even though the conversation is sometimes only a very brief check-in, he tells us this helps him and keeps him accountable. He lets us know what is happening in his life and his struggles, and continues to try to work on himself daily. They welcome his calls because they genuinely care about Charles and want to support him along his journey. Being there for our clients, even after they have long left our programs is a quality rarely found.
Continuum is honored to be able to support our veterans who have served our country so freely over the years. Continuum is committed to helping all our clients to rebuild their lives, and rebuilding and maintaining are ongoing processes for us all.