On a cold winter night in 2009, I found myself in a familiar place — the back seat of a police car — hearing some unfamiliar words. The officers told me about the Center for Health Care Services Public Safety Unit as an alternative to jail.
On May 6, I achieved 12 years free of all mind-altering substances. I did not know that the first time I was introduced to CHCS as an individual reaching out for help, I would end up teaching, training and leading others.
CHCS is the local mental health authority for Bexar County, which provides integrated care to improve the lives of children and adults with mental health conditions, substance use challenges and intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
When I entered the In-House Recovery Program at CHCS, it showed me a new perspective. After four years of being in services with CHCS, I began working there as a direct care staff member and then went on to become a peer recovery coach.
I worked as a community guest specialist for the courtyard at Haven for Hope, which was an area on campus designated for the transient population where I had lived off and on before I got my life on track. The experience at the courtyard was invaluable as I was given the opportunity to walk individuals under the influence to our sobering unit, another place I had frequented in the past as a consumer.
Eventually, I transitioned to our In-House Wellness Program on the members’ side of Haven, providing direct care services to those receiving clinical services living in the dorms. I continued to be a community guest specialist until I transferred to the In-House Recovery Program, which was the program I had been through in 2011 that began the change in me.
I was in the trenches for eight years and often miss the connections I established with individuals who were at their lowest and watching them elevate to heights that were unimaginable. I now live vicariously through staff as a core trainer at CHCS.
In my role, I ensure compliance with state guidelines so we can continue to provide the best care to our community. I help our team of counselors, peer specialists and therapists file certifications and complete study modules to ensure compliance.
As a core trainer, I ensure our team receives training in essential skills. This includes basic life support, which is a type of care provided to public safety professionals for individuals experiencing cardiac arrest, respiratory distress or an obstructed airway. Additionally, I teach defensive driving programs that provide driving techniques to my co-workers who work in the field.
I also oversee the new employee orientation, which covers everything our therapists, peer specialists and supervisors need to know when serving our community. We cover topics such as administrative protocols, medical record documentation, patient rights, ethical standards, recovery and intake process, infectious disease control and safety planning. I get to see thousands of mental health professionals at these trainings.
My favorite part about my job is teaching non-violent crisis intervention. This training prepares our staff to prevent and de-escalate high-risk situations. I enjoy seeing heads nod when I describe why it is important to take people in crisis seriously. I also cross paths with attendees from past classes and even people we served directly.
I have seen some of the most difficult situations, which is why I advise our team on best practices. While in training, they share their challenges and achievements with me. I see the joy in their smiles when they describe accomplishments with the individuals we serve.
One time I was working with an individual in our In-House Recovery Program who was struggling with a co-occurring mental health and substance use condition. I recall that, with the help and support of others, he completely turned his life around. I ran into him at a training orientation years later, and he followed the same path as me. I often say to myself when this happens, recovery is possible, and I love where I work.
My personal experience and journey with CHCS is a story common amongst many of my coworkers, we came from hopelessness and when getting connected to CHCS we were able to gain hope. I, as well as countless others, have been able to turn things around and even exceed expectations. I walk around with an attitude of gratitude because of my past.
With the support of CHCS, I graduated from Texas A&M University-San Antonio with a bachelor’s in interdisciplinary studies in 2021 and recently received my master’s degree in applied behavioral analysis. I encourage every new employee to inspire others who are seeking help, just as they once did for me.
I always go back and think that I used to be one of the individuals who came in seeking help. I 100% believe a power greater than myself brought me to CHCS. If it were not for CHCS, I do not know where I would be.
When I hear CHCS today, I hear community. CHCS began caring for me in 2009 as an individual searching for a better life. In 2024, CHCS is still doing the same for me as a 10-year employee. And for that, I am thankful.
