NEWSLETTER

P2R would like to celebrate Walter Atwood as September’s Employee of the Month. Walter joined the P2R team in December 2021 during a transitional period for the agency. With P2R’s reentry program being in its infancy, Walter was tasked with launching the Chance to Change Reentry Program. He has had several reentry seminars focusing on life skills that help the target population overcome barriers to becoming productive citizens. Walter’s interaction with clients is thought provoking, as well as inspiring. He has assisted over 50 clients in various stages of reentry and recovery. Most recently, Walter facilitated a Chance to Change seminar at Rebmans Bowling Alley where 12 reentry and recovery participants engaged in “Button downs, Bowling, and Brotherhood.” This event focused on the Rites of Passage to manhood and the wall of denial that prevented adequate passage. The project was extremely impactful for the participants and allowed Walter to demonstrate his best work. In addition, Walter has used compassion and a soothing vernacular to create impactful dialogue with the mental health population. He has become a strong advocate which has garnered support with community providers. Walter has also become our go to for all things housing and shelter support. In addition, he has taken the lead on the CAREERRS grant with Lorain County Community College, Lorain Medina CBCF, and Goodwill Industries which increased the effectiveness of our agency. Walter's plate is extremely full but he handles it with grace and professionalism. He is an awesome team player and does everything possible to support his co-workers. We thank him for all his dedicated work and congratulate him on the well deserved recognition.

P2R’s Chance to Change Reentry Program conducted a bowling event at Rebmans Bowling Alley that focused on working through denial and appropriate Rites of Passage. Our reentry specialist facilitated the group of12 men in various stages of reentry and recovery. They engaged in healthy conversation about their experience with coming into manhood; discussing stereotypes, misinformation, and thinking errors that contributed to false narratives about manhood. The group displayed interest in becoming better equipped to take on their roles as father, provider, husband, employee and law-abiding citizens. The event included a light meal and a bowling match. The camaraderie and laughter sparked something special with each participant. Each attendee was able to pick out a button down shirt, donated by local churches and community providers, to wear on future job interviews. They all expressed their gratitude for the outing and made plans for future events. The Chance to Change outings have become a staple for this program. It is very effective in promoting prosocial behavior and provides opportunities for positive peer interactions. 

Demetrius Harris - Peer Specialist in Training/Chance House

Robert Cox - Job Coach/Peer Mentor

Raelyn Wallace - Peer Mentor/ Receptionist

Geraldine Puchmeyer was referred to P2R at the end of August through Coordinated Entry. She is a recovery and reentry client who was in need of housing and other supportive services. Ms. Puchmeyer had been connected to several community resources and accomplished several life sustaining goals but ran into a roadblock when attempting to secure permanent housing. P2R provided a case manager and peer specialist to assist Ms. Puchmeyer in obtaining housing and sustainable employment. Ms. Puchmeyer had great energy and was very optimistic about improving her circumstances. Although she had employment, it was located in Cleveland and the wages were low. Geraldine participated in our employment program (REO), by the last session she was connected to Beckett Gas in North Ridgeville and was hired in. P2R collaborated with Ms. Puchmeyer's caseworker at Haven Center, Rapid Rehousing at Nord and LMHA until we accomplished helping her gain permanent housing. Once housing was secured, Ms. Puchmeyer discovered she was not eligible for funding through Rapid Rehousing. This was a great disappointment because Geraldine knew she could afford the apartment after obtaining a job with a livable wage. Geraldine kept the faith and continued to meet with her peer specialist, participated in recovery support groups, and attended the You are My Sister Conference with the Women Peer Group. Geraldine kept a positive attitude while P2R researched eligibility for other programs. We discovered Geraldine was eligible for MSA funds through the MHARS Board, enabling us to pay her deposit and first month rent. Ms. Puchmeyer moved into her apartment on September 19, 2022. Her tenacity and self motivation has earned her a spot in the Winner’s Circle. Congratulations Geraldine, we are super proud of your accomplishments and wish you continued success.

Ronel Hughley was referred to P2R on September 13, 2022 from Coordinated Entry for emergency shelter assistance and case management, he is a client in recovery and reentry. Mr. Hughley was assigned a case manager and peer specialist to assist him on his journey to stability. Our team worked diligently with Ronel and gained his confidence that we could assist him. Mr. Hughley immediately showed signs of optimism and gratitude, he expressed his desire for genuine help. We provided shelter assistance, food and clothing for Mr. Hughley from September 13 - 30, 2022. During that time, Mr. Hughley attended the Chance to Change Reentry Seminar, Recovery Support Groups, and completed our employment program REO. Mr. Hughley remained humble and appreciative, he took the initiative to follow up on services that would help him be more independent. P2R collaborated with Coordinated Entry, LCAAA, LMHA, and a property landlord until Mr. Hughley secured permanent housing. On September 30, 2022, Mr. Hughley was able to move into his new apartment. He continued to reach out to P2R and other community resources to obtain items to make his apartment suitable. Mr. Hughley had been without a communication device for several months and we were finally able to assist him with receiving a cell phone. His confidence level has improved substantially, launching him into an independent, drug free and crime free lifestyle. Mr. Hughley has obtained employment at Ma Ma Jo's Homestyle Pies in Amherst.We congratulate Ronel Hughley on his determination and willingness to be a productive member of society. Welcome him to the Winner Circle.

On September 14, 2022, P2R joined several community organizations for the 1st We Care Fair organized by Kionna McIntosh-Pharms, Manager of Holistic Student Services at LCCC. We were grateful to be a part of an event that highlighted wrap-around support services in the community. P2R services are dependent on linking with collaborative partners to service marginalized populations that come to our agency. Our staff used this opportunity to network and engage residents who may be in need of services. We were able to form many alliances and receive new information about resources that better equip us to help our clients. P2R is looking forward to expanding partnerships formed while attending this event.

P2R is a strong advocate for “boots on the ground” opportunities. Throughout 2022, we have utilized the food pantries at God’s Kngdom, Beyond the Walls, First Lutheran, Goodwill, Salvation Army - Elyria and many more to provide food to our clients. In addition, we have utilized these opportunities to share information about supportive services, substance abuse/mental health interventions, and other resources in the community. P2R provides direct service to Lorain County residents and also connects them to other community organizations. Second Harvest has permitted P2R to participate in mobile pantries to ensure Lorain County residents are aware of the supportive services in the area. Once a client connects to P2R, they are guaranteed to be linked to the service provider who can best assist them. We make it our business to collaborate with providers offering “real” assistance to underserved populations. We do not claim to solve all their problems, but we do claim that they won’t have to do it alone.