Bernard

Bernard was recommended to Continuum of Care after a nine-month hospitalization due to paranoid beliefs about his sister physically abusing his mother and stealing from her. According to his sister, Bernard became
increasingly aggressive toward her for approximately six weeks, which led her to call mobile crisis for assistance. Subsequently, both his sister and his mother filed for restraining orders against him.

Bernard had been diagnosed with Schizoaffective and Bipolar Disorders and had been hospitalized on at least two occasions for paranoid ideation,disorganized and impulsive behavior, and depression prior to his arrest. However, he insisted that he was 'fine' and thought that he was sent to the hospital by his sister because he tried to have her evicted for abusing his mother. He denied being aggressive toward his sister.

When Bernard came to Continuum, he isolated himself; he was depressed, withdrawn, inactive, and obese. Knowing his health concerns, they started to encourage him, pushing him to improve his life. There were times when “we just had to let him know what the hard truths were. We never sugarcoated things with him. We let him know that if he persists in minimizing the significance of his health, he may be exposing himself to potential risks for additional illnesses,” stated Program Manager Ann Marie Lewis.

Slowly, he started the work and began to emerge and engage with his staff and housemates. Everything the staff asked him to do, he did successfully. With
perseverance, he jumped every hurdle that came his way, knowing that his ultimate goal was to be
independent again. He learned how to take responsibility for his appointments and to process the feedback to his advantage. He started participating in activities such as bowling, riding a stationary bike, movie nights, and going to the beach, he was enthusiastic about joining.

Bernard just graduated from Continuum of Care and is now living in an apartment. He and his sister (the one who filed the restraining order) are now back to being extremely close. She visits him, or they will go out into the community every week. He spends holidays with her. His other siblings visit him as well, so he has regained that tight family love and support that we all need. As for the program that helped him achieve his desired independence, well, they'll see him at their next cook-out, because that connection is his other family.