Success Stories

Felisha Wilson, now 33 years old, is a successful mother, author, and Student Assistant. She’s been with PDG’s Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program since 2017. “PDG helped me grow tremendously in my life, helped me tackle a lot of hardships, and provided me with a lot of security.”

But before Felisha could find her peace, she went through heartbreak, homelessness, and a mental health breakdown. 

First, back in 2016, Felisha found the strength to leave an abusive relationship, taking her young, autistic son with her first apartment in Prince George County, Maryland.. New to the area, Felisha had little family support, no job, and the struggles of single parenthood were catching up with her. 

“At that time, I didn’t know a lot about depression and anxiety,” Felisha says. Rather than dealing with her past experiences and trauma, she “just brushed it off.” 

It wasn’t long before she stopped taking her medication, fell into a depression, and lost her housing. Felisha was admitted to a mental health hospital, where she was diagnosed with anxiety disorder and major depression. “My body was telling me it was time to break down with all the trauma I had.” She started seeing a psychiatrist and learning more about herself and how to heal.  

In 2017, Felisha was referred to PDG. Felisha says that PDG’s support “helped me cope with some of the fears that I had due to my anxiety, and helped me with finding resources for me and my son.” By 2018, Felisha was able to land a job in child care, but their rented housing situation was quickly deteriorating. It was a bad environment, and Felisha wanted better for her son. Soon, Felisha made the tough choice to enter a shelter. 

“It was an emotional decision,” Felisha says, “but PDG helped me with finding resources for housing and the people in the [Grassroots Crisis Intervention] program were so nice and helpful.”

By learning about herself, exploring coping strategies, keeping her faith in God, and staying on track with her medication and health appointments, Felisha grew every day. She maintained her job, and, by October 2021, she was able to find permanent housing that she and her son still reside in today. PDG also helped her find furniture and turn that space into a real home. 

In 2022, Felisha used PDG’s resources to help her apply to be a Student Assistant with the school district. She loves her new role and is still working there today. 

But Felisha wasn’t done there! Now with stable housing and a great job, Felisha decided to fully explore her passion for writing. Back in the shelter during COVID, Felisha had jotted down the beginnings of what would become a children’s book about disabilities: Love Me For Who I Am. In 2023, Felisha finished and published her book on Amazon (link here). “I wanted to show my son I’ll always be there for him no matter what.”

Looking back on her time in abuse, depression, and recovery, Felisha says, “I feel very proud of myself from where I was and where I’m at now, proud at the hard work I’ve put in. It wasn’t an easy road. I stayed focused on what I wanted.”

 

“Michaela really helped me so much during my time with her. She was always there when I needed, finding resources, even as far as picking up items for me and bringing them to me. She even helped me with working on my book.” 

 

“PDG really is a fantastic program that’s helped me grow tremendously in my life, helped me tackle a lot of hardships, and provided me with a lot of security.”

Congratulations on all your accomplishments, Felisha! PDG is so proud of you. 

Buy Felisha’s book on Amazon by clicking here.

Vince dreams of cutting his own home’s grass one day. He looks forward to a quiet life with a garden – and he deserves it after everything he’s gone through.

Back in 2007, goals like homeownership were hard to imagine. Vince had alcohol use disorder and his drinking was destroying his life. He lost his job at the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs, lost his home, learned he was HIV positive, and was arrested on a parking charge. With very little support and no hope, Vince fell into deep depression and couldn’t see any way out. He attempted suicide seven times, five of which landed him in the hospital. His hopelessness was real, and his support network nonexistent.

Things started to change when Vince chose to stay at The Light House one night in 2009, where he says he, “couldn’t drink, couldn’t do drugs. They got me off alcohol.” Then in 2011, Vince began seeing psychiatrist Dr. Andrew F. Angelino and therapist Nicholas P. Schweizer at Johns Hopkins. These providers guided and supported him through his depression, addiction, suicide, and grief. “They brought me back from the depths of hell,” and diagnosed Vince with bipolar 1 and major depression. They also prescribed medication and referred Vince to PDG.

PDG’s Case Management program opened Vince’s eyes to the stability and support he could receive.

“I’ve never had – other than my family, other than PDG and Light House, no one’s ever cared about me. I don’t have friends.” Vince described his first PDG caseworker as, “amazing. She was a godsend and she helped me get my apartment.” That apartment helped Vince regain his footing in the world and no longer rely on the shelter. Through community support, Vince received donated furniture and even had a local hockey team volunteer to move it into his apartment.

In 2017, Vince also joined PDG’s SMART Recovery program, an addiction recovery group similar to AA.

“I was scared that first day because I didn’t know what to expect, but that is one of the best programs PDG could have made,” Vince enthuses, specifically praising the group for those over 50 years old.

Through support and skills from his therapist and the PDG programs, Vince gained a mental stability he hadn’t had in years. Success isn’t a straight line, though, and Vince dealt with his fair share of setbacks. In 2013, Vince lost his mom and he relapsed as he struggled to cope with the grief. He also lost his father in 2018. Still, Vince persevered.

Now, Vince is 10 years sober with his own car and part time job working for Lyft. He’s still a PDG consumer, actively participating in Case Management and SMART.

“[My PDG Case Manager] Tom has been proactive in getting me information, copying paperwork, going to the management office with me, documenting everything. He even told the management company to fax all my paperwork to him. They did, because Tom doesn’t mess around. He’s great. I really like him.”

“[PDG’s] dedication to helping me, the absolute pure support from everyone… Finally my family started to understand what’s going on and now I have the full support of my family.”

While life will never stop throwing curve balls, Vince is ready for them. He’s been able to recently surprise his best friend with an overnight NYC trip to see a Yankees and Orioles game. He’s actively trying to get a support dog, and has big plans to own his own house, where he can cut the grass, tend a garden, and live a quiet life.

“From The Light House culinary classes to working with PDG to getting my own place, getting my credit right, getting an apartment. Yes, I feel like I’m a success. I take my medicine like I’m supposed to and go to my appointments. I’m a success.”

Congratulations Vince! We’re so proud to be part of your story.

In 2003, Phill Cohen was drowning. Reeling from a recent breakup, facing legal trouble, and not doing well in school, Phill didn’t know how to ask for help. He compulsively avoided negative interactions and couldn’t reach out to family.

“I didn’t want to let them down,” he says, “and I didn’t know how not to mask it when there’s something wrong.”

Phill had difficulty navigating most social situations. He struggled with socialization, self-esteem, problem solving, and coping skills. While he was later diagnosed with major depression, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder, at that time Phill didn’t know where to turn or how to help himself.

It was around 2003 that Phill connected with a therapist at Arundel Lodge, who helped Phill learn about himself and develop a foundation for self-confidence and communication. Over the following years, Phill received his diagnoses and then a life-changing referral to PDG’s Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program.

“I’ve had a lot of trust issues,” Phill explains. “So that’s made it hard for me to get close to people or seek help when I need it.” While therapy helped Phill, “learn what to disclose and what not to disclose,” PDG was able to provide sorely needed socialization skills that Phill was still missing.

Starting in 2012, Phill began seeing a PDG Mental Health Care Coordinator and attending Day Program at the Millersville office (formerly Glen Burnie office). Since that day 11 years ago, Phill found the support network he needed and never left PDG services. In fact, over the years Phill has tried many of PDG’s proven effective programs like job coaching and the health and wellness program (formerly Health Home).

When asked what support helped him most, Phill immediately pointed to PRP’s Day Program, which brings PRP consumers together twice a week for therapeutic conversation, activities, and social events.

“Day Program has been the most valuable thing. Being able to confide in people about my problems, that’s one area where the Day Program has been a big, big help. I’ve been able to tell people my problems, something I could never do before.”

He added that, over the years, he’s also appreciated how much he could help others in the group: “I love DP because I love the give and take, learning about my own issues, finding new coping skills, and sharing my resources with the others.”

He also praised PDG’s 2022 partnership with the Johns Hopkins ACHIEVE-D program, a pilot program that implemented evidence-based behavioral weight loss for mental health consumers. The virtual program helped Phill learn about endurance and nutrition. “I want to follow up with that and find something similar because it was such a good experience.”

Through the support offered by his therapist and the impactful PDG programs, Phill improved his problem solving, learned to understand himself, improved his somatic health, and gained confidence. He lived independently and had a job – two things he wasn’t sure he could ever do on his own.

This progress was not without serious obstacles, however. Phill lost his mom to fallopian tube cancer, impacting his mental health and commitment to his goals. Then in 2020, Phill’s progress took a big hit with quarantine and the pause on Day Program meetups. “I backslid. I started isolating,” Phill says, which seriously affected his self-confidence, self-esteem, and socialization skills.

But this time, Phill could tell what was happening and what he needed. “I realized that I missed doing things out of the house,” he said. When PDG’s Day Program pivoted to Zoom meetings, Phill jumped on the chance to attend and stay on top of his mental health. The pandemic, while difficult, ended up being a unique opportunity for problem solving and new skills. Phill learned how to get his prescriptions different ways, and how to comfortably use virtual meeting spaces.

Today, Phill couldn’t be more confident and proud of his achievements. He communicates and solves problems on his own with greater self-confidence, conflict and stress management, and resource navigation than ever before. He has a great relationship with his father and other family members, and regularly sees his therapist, psychiatrist, and PDG mental health care coordinators.

“I’ve come a long way in being able to say, hey here are some things you can help me with. I know how to articulate my needs. And I’ve become more proactive about my physical, somatic health.” Phill also has plans to once again live independently and return to school. The future is bright, and as Phill says, “I have a lot to offer!”

Congratulations, Phill, on all your achievements! We agree you have a great future ahead.

Before starting the interview, Dominican Republic-native Shelly explained she was waiting for an important call from nursing school and may have to hang up suddenly. This call was the culmination of years of hard work and may just change the course of her future career. To understand what this phone call means, however, let’s back up a little bit. 

In 2014, Shelly was 27 years old and a single mother of two girls, aged nine and seven. 

She was also homeless. 

In fact, she’d been homeless since she was kicked out of the house at 15, living with random friends and moving often. This time was different, though, and she found herself on the street with no family support and no financial resources. Shelly turned to DSS and was referred to Sarah’s House, an emergency shelter for families. While still navigating housing challenges, Shelly also lost her best friend. 

Through it all, Shelly never stopped persevering for her children. She worked hard to earn her GED and an ASL interpreting certification, and found work as a medical assistant in a Baltimore refugee clinic. After her transitional housing period ended, she was able to find her own apartment. 

In 2015, Shelly also started PDG’s Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program (PRP). At first, she was very skeptical: 

“Their requirements of having to go to therapy hits you a little hard when you start because you’re not sure if that’s something you’re going to be able to do. I had never really been in therapy. But it was worth it. PDG has really helped me maintain stability. If there’s anybody out there that may be struggling or isn’t sure, just give therapy a try. See if it’s for you, and if not that’s okay, but it really may help you in the long run.”

Through finding the right therapist, Shelly was diagnosed with unspecified bipolar disorder, PTSD, and ADHD. “I didn’t know I lived with all these things, I just thought my attitude going from 1 to 100 was just me. But thankfully through PDG and therapy I’ve been able to manage it.”

Shelly was a PDG consumer from 2015 – 2022, participating in both PRP and Case Management at different times. Through the PDG programs, she learned invaluable mental health management skills and community resources. 

“PDG helped me gain supporters in my community. They helped me with their program, helped me maintain my therapist, helped me maintain my house, and most importantly they were willing to work with me through any situation that arose.”

By 2022, Shelly had learned to understand herself better, maintained stable housing, completed a transfer degree in liberal arts from AACC, was well on her way to her nursing degree, and worked as a medical assistant. Shelly’s voice grows warm when talking about her two daughters, now 18 and 16 years old. The older one is attending Clark Atlanta University to be an attorney, played volleyball, is really funny, and an overall “really awesome kid.” The younger daughter is in high school, participating in a special biomedical program that starts her on a journey to become a surgeon. She loves dance, basketball, and shoes.

“I do everything for my children. I sacrificed everything for them and I’d do it again.” Proud of where she is now, Shelly also recognizes how important her struggles were: “I had to go through my rock bottom. You might fail at first, but if you keep going you will get that 100%.”

Shelly’s tenacity is often put to the test. When faced with a failure to provide reasonable accommodation during a final exam, Shelly challenged it. If the school agrees, she’ll be able to retake the exam and continue onto her final semester before becoming an RN. If they deny her, she’ll have to pursue an alternate path to finishing her degree. This is the phone call she waited on during our conversation. 

As Shelly waits, one thing is certain: she won’t ever give up. She’s always had the motivation, but through therapy and PDG she’s also gained invaluable knowledge and coping skills, ensuring she’ll always land on her feet. 

“I’m a success,” she says, “because I’ve never given up. as long as I’m still trying, I’ll feel like a success.”

We couldn’t agree more! It was PDG’s pleasure to support you, Shelly. Best of luck with your nursing degree and beyond.

April 2023 Update: Shelly was allowed to retake the class with modified accommodations and continue towards becoming an RN. In addition, the school is making major improvements to DSS accommodations for health science students because of Shelly’s advocacy. 

Gelisia was 23 when she learned about PDG’s services. At the time, she was living in a shelter with her 1-year-old son. She’d found herself there after leaving an abusive environment and didn’t know where to go next. As you might expect, Gelisia struggled with severe anxiety and constant depression. Jobless and hopeless, she turned to PDG for whatever guidance they could provide. 

Gelisia connected with PDG’s Case Management and Housing programs. Soon after, she started with PDG’s in-home therapy for both her and her son. 

“It was literally the highlight of my week when I saw my therapist,” Gelisia says. “Having that one-on-one to keep me level grounded… that support was huge.”

Gelisia’s Case Manager took her situation seriously, offering her resources for food and clothing that Gelisia didn’t know existed. Even at her lowest, Gelisia didn’t give up and didn’t stop working to regain her footing. Within 3 months, she was moving out of the shelter and into a new home with her son. She attributes this success to the great relationship she had with her Housing Coordinator: “I never needed anything with PDG. They always made sure all of my needs were met. No matter what obstacles came my way they always guided me in the right direction.”

Gelisia was with PDG for four years, during which time her skills and motivation grew tremendously. PDG’s housing program supplemented her rent while she got a job and reached a financial stability she hadn’t seen in a long time. PDG’s programs also helped pay for Infant/Toddler and Preschool Certifications she needed to pursue her career in early education.  

As she continued to see her therapist to work on her depression, she became less overwhelmed, less like a victim, and more “like an individual.” Instead of focusing on the past, Gelisia turned to the future and learned to “navigate the real world.” 

Today, Gelisia is a new person. Now married, she recently moved to a bigger space and couldn’t be happier. Gelisia also recently acquired her dream job as a paraeducator in an elementary school, thanks to her hard work and the opportunities that PDG provided. 

“PDG saved my life,” Gelisia says. “They provided me with the essential tools and resources I needed to become a successful member of society. It was so important to have someone that actually, genuinely cared about me and my son. Facing the realities of my situation proved to be very overwhelming and difficult at times, but my case worker was there every step of the way, so I always felt like I had someone by my side.” 

Gelisia left PDG in 2019, but not because she was done managing her mental health. She still sees her counselor and maintains strong positive relationships in her life. “I am no longer worrying about tomorrow,” Gelisia explains. “I am so driven by my past mistakes and am confident that those mistakes brought me to where I am today. No longer do I feel like a burden to society. Now I have the tools to continue this journey from homelessness to self sufficiency. I now have the tools to stay a productive member of society.”

Wherever life takes her, we at PDG know the sky’s the limit and this is just the beginning for Gelisia! 

In 2013, JJ was 39 years old and lived in Odenton, MD. He was trying to manage his major depressive disorder diagnosis, suicidal thoughts, and drug abuse, but struggling to find the right resources. JJ had two children he wasn’t able to see often and hadn’t been able to maintain employment.

Despite his obstacles, JJ didn’t stop trying. JJ started getting the counseling he needed. He also enrolled in programs with two different agencies, but they didn’t have the support he was looking for. There, “people would fall asleep listening to you,” JJ said.

Finally, his therapist at Vesta, Inc. referred him to PDG’s Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program (PRP) and he began services 9/26/13. Through the PRP, JJ found real, compassionate, and intelligent support. JJ’s care coordinator worked with him on a mental health treatment plan, housing, staying clean, creating a safety plan, and avoiding hospitalizations. JJ said his mental health care coordinators “helped me out getting a lot of stuff done that I didn’t think could get done.”

As JJ’s recovery progressed, JJ also enrolled in the PDG vocational program on 1/13/14 to search for employment. Then, when JJ was denied SSDI benefits, he also began working with PDG’s SOAR program to submit an SSDI benefits appeal. Unfortunately, JJ was denied benefits again, but JJ was thankful for the help he received from all his mental health care coordinators and employment specialists: “they was all wonderful!”

In 2015, JJ was still happy and active with PDG. JJ had joined the PRP Day Program, and “that helped a lot.” JJ says, “people cared and I started hearing stories from other people going through the same thing.”

After years of hard work and active participation in all programs, JJ got a job with Giant Food on 3/8/17 in the meat and seafood department. His hours increased as his managers saw how reliable he was, and after almost four years, in July 2017 JJ decided to leave PDG.

In January 2018, JJ’s former care coordinator ran into him. Sometimes, these meetings show how the consumer could have benefited from staying in services. But not this time – JJ’s successes didn’t stop with PDG; he is training to be the manager of the meat and seafood department at Giant. He was able to save enough money to purchase his own car, a long-term goal he’d had in order to access his community and see his children more often. JJ increased his social interaction and is even able to provide emotional support to a neighbor that was sick. JJ is now playing a more active role in his children’s lives due to his financial stability, transportation availability, and mental stability.

No one could have done all this for him except JJ himself. His commitment to his own health over the years allowed him to move forward and upward, and PDG is proud to have helped him on that path. When asked what he felt could be improved at PDG, JJ couldn’t think of anything. “PDG was wonderful,” JJ recounted. “I was glad I got a chance to work with you guys… you guys listen and care.”

Congratulations, JJ!

Michael loves baseball statistics. Every visit, Michael’s table is piled high with old, faded cards, baseball books, and pencils. “I love it,” Michael says, “but it’s just a hobby.”

Michael joined PDG’s supported employment program in October 2015. Though Michael’s off time was filled up with baseball, his work experience was in dishwashing and stocking. Michael’s resume boasted over 15 years working in kitchens and five years as a stocker. Moreover, Michael was honorably discharged from the military and had a loving wife and family supporting him.

So why did Michael need to enter PDG’s vocational program?

“My PTSD really f**** me up,” Michael bluntly told his vocational specialist during intake. Events from his childhood had caused Michael to suffer a lifetime of untreated PTSD and depression. It was only as an adult that Michael sought help and began medication. Unfortunately, it wasn’t before Michael lost his employer of almost 18 years due to angry outbursts and altercations on the job. Since then, Michael had trouble holding on to employment and didn’t know where to go for help.

Fortunately, Michael found PDG. After less than six months with the program, Michael and his vocational specialist were preparing for his first day in a new busser position with a popular restaurant. Michael’s PDG aide also helped him manage his new medications and PTSD symptoms, thus ensuring his long term success. As a team, Michael and his providers worked to prevent outbursts and prepare for triggers.

Eight months later, Michael is thriving; he found his fit in the restaurant and with the staff.

“How you doing, Sarge?” one server asked when Michael and his vocational specialist recently walked into work. “We missed you!”

“I’m very happy with him,” Michael’s direct supervisor stated in the same visit. “He’s a big part of the team.”

Michael smiled. “Everybody loves me here,” he told his specialist.

Michael’s success doesn’t end just with him. His wife and family are also affected. In another visit, Michael’s wife told the Family Advocacy Survey about her experiences with PDG:

“I think PDG is a great organization that helps the family members, especially when you have problems communicating to your loved ones and you’re having a hard time, you can use them for guidance. Michael feels more confident. PDG has helped with keeping him on balance and they helped him find a job. He likes his new job and PDG helps me by being more people and support in his life. Having a job has helped with his nightmares too. It’s good to know you can always turn to PDG for strength, and if it wasn’t for PDG, I would be lost.”

Michael’s success is ongoing and will involve other challenges, but it’s clear to see that support and hard work have positively impacted his life. At the end of his most recent visit with his vocational specialist, the specialist asked him if he needed anything else before she left.

Michael shrugged and said with a big smile, “maybe a million dollars.”

Ola and I began working together in 2015. Ola had previously been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and struggled with debilitating depressive symptoms. These symptoms had prevented her from maintaining employment; in fact, her last job deteriorated over several months as Ola fell into depression and refused to leave her house.

When we began, Ola said she wanted a position in job coaching and community outreach. Ola was worried, though, about her ability to stay committed to a company. So we focused our time not just on applications and lead development, but on finding the right fit. It was important that Ola look for a company and position that not only provided the right atmosphere for her, but afforded her opportunities to change and grow that would keep Ola motivated long term. Ola and I also worked on increasing community job development and improving Ola’s interview skills.

As Ola felt more comfortable and confident in her PDG support and in herself, she attended and did well in several interviews. It wasn’t long before the job offers came in. Ola and I carefully reviewed her options and Ola chose to work for a smaller company that paid less in order for her to feel comfortable with new duties, and more heard by her supervisor. Ola chose not to disclose and opted for part time hours.

We got to work right away – I helped Ola off-site to develop coping skills in order to prevent the ever-possible depressive episodes. Ola and I also addressed concerns she had about her new duties.

Through her hard work and consistent support from her mental health team, Ola has now been working successfully for more than six months. Ola takes PRN medication and uses self-care and coping skills to effectively manage her depressive symptoms. Only a few months into her new position, Ola chose to disclose. Thanks in part to Ola’s flexible and accommodating supervisor, Ola has incrementally increased her hours to full time without triggering any major symptoms.

Life hasn’t quit throwing Ola more trials; recently Ola and her husband filed for divorce and Ola moved out of her home. Despite this upset that would rock the most stable of mental foundations, Ola has turned to her work as a distraction and committed herself to excelling despite this change. Ola reports loving her job and she has a plan for growth within the company. I coordinate regularly with her supervisor, who is also dedicated to helping Ola achieve her full potential. Despite Ola’s obstacles, she’s learned to manage her personal and professional life. Ola’s dedication and good attitude will help her continue to grow and succeed in the field she loves.

After years of studying with area beekeepers, Lyle Bradford launched the Keep ‘em Buzzin Apiaries and Honey Bee Farm on his six-acre property located in La Plata, MD.

Soon, the Keep ‘em Buzzin Apiaries and Honey Bee Farm will sell a wide array of honey as well as bee and honey byproducts, including liquid, comb, and creamed honey; beeswax; beeswax candles; honey or beeswax soaps; aromatherapy products; pollen; and propolis. Customers will also be able to purchase beehives and beehive components, queen bees, packaged bees, and nucs (mini hives). Lyle Bradford states,

“I am committed to provide pure and natural honey and honey products to area consumers for a healthier and happier life.”

Future plans also call for an Adopt-a-Hive program that will allow interested individuals to have a hive in their home, but not have to worry about the weekly care associated with honey bees. Lyle will also offer pollination services for small to medium crops.

In addition to the tremendous amount of hard work and energy, Lyle has invested in this enterprise, the Southern Maryland Small Business Development Center and the RISE Program all played integral parts in the planning and funding of this business.

Lyle’s honey products are available at the Waldorf Farmer’s Market every Saturday from 8 am to 1 pm, at the Charles Street Bakery in Waldorf, and from Lyle’s farm in La Plata. Want to visit? Contact Lyle through the company’s Facebook page.