My name is Lupe Harthoorn. I am one of the Rapid Response Case Managers with DayBreak and also work with long-term case management clients. I wanted to share with you the story of Stephen Perry, one of my former clients:
I met Stephen Perry at the end of 2018. He was referred to us by St. Rose hospital after showing up in their emergency department a few times. My supervisor Stefanie Stevens and I met him at the hospital and he was very confused and did not want any of our services. We did not give up on him and went out to see him again before he was discharged. He seemed to be in a better space but still very untrusting. However, he did decide to accept our services. I met him again at the rehab facility he was transferred to and started working with him. I went out to meet him on a weekly basis, and even more if he needed. Stephen was blind due to cataract in both eyes. In March of 2019 he received his first surgery to correct his vision. By May 2019 Mr. Perry had his second surgery and was able to see again. He also needed to re-connect with services to become independent again. After his second surgery we were able to house him with one of our providers in an independent living home. I also reconnected him with his niece again, with whom he had been estranged for some time. I was able to connect him to a primary care and other specialty doctors. We went out to lunches and ice cream runs, shopping and would enjoy conversations with him. Every time he was in my car on our way to get things done, I would ask him “what music do you want to listen to today?”. He enjoyed music during our car rides. This wonderful man needed attention, care, a voice and to feel like he was important in this world.
At the end of April I left on maternity leave and had transferred his case to Coronda Carter who followed up with his care needs. A few weeks later he left the independent living home, and we couldn’t get in touch with him. I was sad to find out that he had left the independent living and not knowing his whereabouts.
It is now 2 years later and I received a phone call last week from Mr. Perry. I was very happy to reconnect with him and to learn that he was doing well! He is now living in San Francisco where he always wanted to be. He is currently receiving services where he lives. He also shared that he had the opportunity to reconnect with his son again after so many years of distance. He is happy and grateful to have what he has in his life.
Mr. Perry expressed his gratitude for the services that he received from DayBreak. He expressed that I was the one person he will always remember because I made a positive change in his life. He stated, “you never gave up on me and always pushed me when I didn’t want to do things”. “You guys are an honest agency that has patience and I am the proof that it works!”.
This kind of feedback is very rewarding to me as a social worker. I love my work, knowing that I can support individuals to make a positive change in their life when they feel accepted and appreciated.
Thank you Stephen Perry, for reconnecting and letting me know how you’re doing, and allowing me to share your story!
-Lupe Harthoorn, MSW
