Work scenes

My job is pretty different and not many people understand what I do everyday. Well, I was originally just going to post these random work shots, but then I thought (for those who care) a little explanation would help in putting the shots in perspective. Basically I work with seriously mentally ill people in what is frequently called a "psycho-social rehab" (or a day program) which helps stabilized people who have a mental illness become more socialized, more independent (managing food and medications) and in some cases obtain employment, whether part time or full time.

This means, other than facilitating groups and life skills training, alot of hanging out and doing things like playing ping pong and cards. But many of the people get used to just hanging out (and who can blame them, it's a pretty stress free life in that respect). Some like to go after jobs, but that can be a difficult road, because when you are on "disability' you get a fixed check from the government each month for not working, and with that there is sometimes little incentive to work (however, that also means you are poor and you stay poor). But, if you want to keep receiving that stipend, you cannot work more than 20 hours a week. It's tough to maintain that balance and in deciding to keep the check or abandon the check altogether and try to get a full time 40 hr a week job! Many people are not ready to work, and some never will be, whether due to their illness, cognitive functioning or education level. Anyway, we give them an opportunity to work on these type of things if they want, or, they can just hang out, which is the lame part and ends up frustrating or boring me to death! Whatever, enough is enough!

Learn computer skills by a waterfall,

or help cook broccoli in the kitchen.

This is a collage of all the wild patterns seen around the building.

random shit!? check.