If someone asked me what I want most out of my life, I’d probably tell you it is what most people already have: a job, a family (Including a loving husband), a home, and a social life. But sitting at Creative Health in Pottstown, I would constantly ask myself, “How do I get it all?” Don’t get me wrong, Creative Health has helped a lot. I started going there in early 2004 and it helped my health and I met some really close people there. Then somehow I got into a routine that was hard to stop.People at Creative Health would talk about Hedwig House, especially friends I met there, including my boyfriend at the time, and Bill Knittel, Lucy Harrison, Tony Brown and others. I remember right before I started Hedwig House, Lucy told me I have to take care of myself, that I come first. She was right. Here I am 28 years old, still living with my parents, I have no job, my health really hasn’t changed that much and my love life, lets just say it is very shaky. I thought to myself, what should I do? I thought about what Lucy said and made that call to Hedwig House to set up an Interview.

When I called, the director, Marita, asked me if I was interested more in the clubhouse or job readiness. Of course, I wanted to do both, but I knew I needed job placement the most, so that is what I told her. At the interview, they told me they can help me prepare for a job by: computer (clerical) training, setting up a good resume, practice my interviewing techniques, and then finding a job. It all sounded good.

It’s been two weeks and so far I am moving right along. I just got my Intermediate Computer Training Certificate, I am writing this article for the newsletter and took some pictures. Next, I want to attend an advocacy group on Friday run by Tom, my clerical director and the one that is helping me a lot with the computer.

I go to Hedwig House Tuesday and Thursday and soon probably Friday. I am still going to Creative Health Monday and Wednesday but gradually I’ll be cutting back at Creative Health and adding to Hedwig House until I get a job. The Transition is a little difficult because Creative Health has become such a big part of my life. (Corinne Overly)

STAFF NOTE: This article written by Corinne appeared in our August 2007 newsletter, The Spirit. Shortly thereafter, Corinne became the first member to certify in Advanced Computer Training, which required the completion of a brochure and a resume. The record shows that Corinne put the resume to good use, securing a job at Subway in East Greenville, where she has worked for the last year and a half. Sadly, because of the distance and her work schedule we don't see much of Corinne anymore, but it should be noted that, with motivation and given the tools, she began to approach her life goals. (TA<thomasarmstrong@hedwighouse.org>)