2007/12/21

avon calling

I recently completed the application process for entry into the dual-diagnosis rehab program at Avon Park, FL. It is a 9-week program with aftercare to follow.

Besides the typical paperwork, I needed to have a TB test. For that I went to the local Health Department office. The test cost $16, which was paid for by my case manager.

By the way, the people who threatened me a while back? They are my good friends again. They apologized for the incident once they realized that they had been misled by a backstabbing, drunken idiot.

And now we come to Christmas. I may not be living in a place of my own this holiday season, but at least I'm not sleeping in abandoned buildings or sheds.
Posted by Jay at 3:06:00 PM

2 comments:

  1. AnonymousSunday, December 23, 2007 at 2:55:00 AM EST

    hye dad,
    friends are great thing. just make sure that those who are on crack and threatening you with a pistol are more of a person you know rather than a person you trust. you know, after the matter.
    anywho... i am spending xmas with taylor in 29palms this year. couldnt afford to make it home. i'll be thinking of you too. no matter what the situation, i hope you have the best xmas possible.
    i love you and miss you dearly,
    your loving daughter,
    anna.
    p.s. take care of yourself for me. i cant wait to get the opportunity to see you again.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousTuesday, January 1, 2008 at 6:56:00 PM EST

    Your daughter's love shines through, Jay. May that blessing give you strength, comfort, and joy.

    This was an interesting letter to the newspaper about The Shelter in Tallahassee:
    "Article published Jan 1, 2008
    Letters to the Editor: That's not what The Shelter is all about:

    "Re: "What to do about The Shelter's plight?" (letter, Dec. 29). I was surprised to read the letter from George Penick. As hard as we try to educate the public about The Shelter and its mission and policies, there always seems to be someone out there who just doesn't get it.

    1. People do not leave Buffalo, N.Y., to stay in the wonderful surroundings of The Shelter and live during the daytime at the public library. If Mr. Penick thinks it is such luxury, why doesn't he visit us overnight and sleep on a mat on the hard floor, sharing showers and a bathroom with 200 other persons who snore, sneeze and cough all night?

    2. People who stay in The Shelter are not freeloaders. More than 60 percent work during the day at day labor or other low-paying establishments, but are unable to make enough money for rent and utility deposits. Many are on Social Security or disability and do not receive enough money to live on their own. Others are elderly, children, impaired or physically or mentally ill. Some are unable to find a job. No one truly chooses to live in a shelter.

    3. The majority of persons who stay in The Shelter are not permanent residents, as the average stay per person is about 2½ weeks. However, some persons are unable to work and cannot survive on their pensions and stay much longer until a permanent solution can be found.

    4. The Shelter doesn't receive city tax dollars. It receives United Way funding through the CHSP process, but none of the city tax dollars that go into that program are awarded to The Shelter. The Shelter would welcome this funding, and would welcome a city work program to hire persons without jobs.

    5. The Shelter exists because of the kind spirit of Tallahassee's citizens. They provide food, clothing, time, work, money and whatever it takes to keep our homeless alive and off the street. Come visit us and maybe we can change your heart."

    JANE SHAEFFER

    Chair, Board of Directors, The Shelter

    jrshaeffer@aol.com"

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