Balwin Change Champions!

‘Stewart’ said he wanted to change when he moved into balwin…

That was just before Christmas— and he meant it.  His ongoing work has amazed the Balwin and community supports working with him. And, in only two months, that work is paying off. 

As soon as he moved in, Steward reached out to Bev Pretty, Case Manager, at Balwin. With a dual diagnosis of mental health and addiction to alcohol and methamphetamine, a major goal for this quiet, well-mannered, go-getter was to attend a treatment program. His treatment goal? Abstinence.

The first step, Bev advised, was building a relationship with a doctor who would complete the medical part of the application. Stewart was keen. Through Native Healing Center contacts, Stewart began seeing a doctor who could empathize with his traumatic past while addressing physical health needs. Mental health support was part of the process too. Steward met with the psychiatrist who comes to Balwin for medications to help with anxiety and depression.

In addition, Stewart had legal issues to deal with. He consistently showed up, on time, for court dates. Then, the HELP team, involved with Stewart for several years and in contact with Stewart and Bev, wrote what Bev describes as ‘a wonderful letter about his years on the street’. That letter led to all charges being dropped and Stewart being another step closer to his goal.

Amid all this work, Stewart experienced a major personal loss in his family due to violence. Bev was amazed at how well Stewart was coping but, to reinforce that resilience, they completed a referral to the Spady Cat Team and to Cat’s cultural team. The referral was accepted, and Stewart had more Spady resources supporting his commitment to change.

Recently, Bev and Stewart sat down and completed his treatment program application. As soon as the doctor adds his section, that application will be sent off. If Stewart achieved all this in less than 2 months, what can he do over the next year? Whatever it is, Balwin, CAT and other community resources will be ready to work and celebrate with him.

Stewart’s success reinforces Bev’s experience with supporting clients. Her advice: “…strike while the iron is hot! When a person is asking for and inviting help into their lives, it’s up to us as professionals to do all we can and to collaborate within GSS and with other agencies to help that person succeed.” Bev acknowledges, though, “none of this would be possible without the determined participant who wants change!” Stewart is certainly that type of determined participant.

Thanks to Bev Pretty, Case Manager, at Balwin for sharing this good new story!