Josh

Josh’s childhood started out like many others—playing T-ball, soccer, and music. After school, he went to his grandmother’s house, where their deep bond made her a central figure in his life.

Tragically, at age seven, Josh came home from school to find his
grandmother had passed away. The trauma triggered panic attacks, emotional struggles, and a slow withdrawal from the activities he once loved. As he grew older, anger, depression, and behavioral issues
escalated.

By 15, Josh was diagnosed with schizophrenia and substance use
disorder. His symptoms worsened—marked by paranoia, delusions, and self-harm. Multiple hospitalizations and unstable treatment
followed. At 17, during a psychotic episode, he unknowingly assaulted his mother. She dropped the charges on the condition that he get help.

Josh was referred to Continuum’s Young Adult Services after a stay at a psychiatric hospital. There, he found stability, support, and hope. “It was like having a superhero in my life,” he says.

Since then, Josh earned his GED, got his first job through Continuum’s Apprentice program, and now works full-time in their Emergency Housing program. He’s rebuilding relationships with his family,
preparing to move into an apartment with a friend, and, for the first time, feels safe and proud of his life.

“I thought I’d be dead by now. But now I’m successful. I have people who care about me. When I go home for the holidays, I don’t have to hide—I can just be me.”