BENT CRANDALL

The Bent Crandall Program is a 24-hour residential program serving 14 consumers with co-occurring psychiatric and substance abuse disabilities. The program offers individuals who express a willingness to live in a substance-free environment the opportunity to learn new and more effective ways of maintaining sobriety. Residents are asked to follow program rules and a reasonable relapse policy in support of recovery. Designed for the unique needs of individuals with co-occurring disorders, the program offers residents the opportunity to be part of a community, learn to make better choices, and improve their quality of life.

Admission Criteria:

• 18 years or older
• DMHAS definition of severe and chronic mental illness
• Axis I psychiatric diagnosis with co-existing substance abuse
• Physically able to manage living environment
• Has financial means to pay living expenses
• Resident of Catchment Area 11 or 12
• Requires 24-hour on-site supervision
• Acuity level of III or IV
• Requires maximum to moderate assistance with ADL functioning
• Willingness to live in a structured environment and follow
  program rules

A Story: Keisha

Keisha s a 32-year old woman with co-occurring disabilities of mental illness and substance abuse. She was homeless and had a number of financial problems. At the time she came to Bent Crandall, she didn't really know what recovery was, but she did know one thing: There had to be a better way to live.

Keisha, however, had a number of barriers to achieving her goal of recovery. Among them was her anger. During the first few months in the program, she was angry with everyone: her roommates, staff and her clinical providers. Another challenge for Keisha was learning to stay sober. Despite a strong desire to improve her life, letting go of substance abuse as a way of coping with uncomfortable feelings and situations proved challenging.

After a few months in the program, Keisha expressed a desire to work. With the assistance of our Employment Services Program, Keisha found a job at a local workout facility. This was her first job in several years, and it helped her gain the self-confidence and self-respect she needed. Keisha blossomed. She dressed nicely and her face looked bright and healthy. She became better able to deal with feelings of anger and her relationship with peers significantly improved. After one relapse, she began to maintain sobriety and experience recovery.

After working for a few months, Keisha was able to purchase an inexpensive car and began talking about living independently in the community. She found an affordable apartment as she continued to maintain employment. Over the 12 months Keisha was at Bent Crandall, her view of life changed dramatically. She is now able to see her many strengths, has improved her skills at sobriety, and is better able to cope with anger and frustration. Keisha continues to call staff and residents of the program and is an inspiration to her peers. Keisha is in recovery.