WILL

PHOTO BY RANDY BACON

WILL

“Stay Positive”

I was born and raised in Springfield and have lived here most of my life. I attended Central High School until the 12th grade. I have some family and friends here who I see regularly. I like hanging out with my friends and sometimes we go to the movies. I also like meeting new people. I am very friendly. I like football. I like the Chiefs and the Cowboys. I like to watch TV, mostly soap operas. Days of Our Lives is my favorite. 

A story from my childhood that has impacted me is when I was playing with my brother, and I broke my arm. I had a cast put on my whole arm that I had to wear for a long time. I remember that many kids at my school and in my neighborhood signed my cast and it made me feel very special. I felt like I had many friends and that all those kids liked me. I also remember when I got my first bike as a child. That was a very happy day for me. As an adult a story that stands out for me is when I first came to Burrell. I remember where I was at that point in my life and how my case worker helped me learn to be more independent. I like that I have since been able to have a job and take care of myself. 

It’s difficult living with mental illness especially when things aren’t going well. But when my symptoms are stable and I am using the coping skills I have learned, then everything seems fine. The hardest thing for me has been dealing with Covid. I can’t go out during lockdown. I can’t meet my friends and I can’t meet with my caseworker. I miss my family because they can’t come to visit me during lockdown. I also miss being able to go to work. What keeps me going is always having positive thoughts, keeping my head up and having a positive attitude. I like listening to music because it keeps me motivated and keeps away the negative thoughts. I like my case worker because he helps me put things in a good perspective and he gives me good advice. I would advise anyone with mental illness to learn to cope and to talk to their case worker and the experts so that can get help getting back on their feet. I will also tell them not to give up and to try to stay positive”.   ~ Will

(From Will’s Treatment Team) 

Will has been in Burrell services of some kind since about 1988. He was under the guardianship of his uncle since 1985. However, his uncle passed away in 2014 and no one was appointed his guardian and a trusted individual was not ensuring that Will’s bills and rent was being taken care of. He got behind on his rent and was living in very poor living conditions. He was left to sleep on his floor with only a sheet. This all resulted in Will getting into some legal trouble, despite him not having any control over his assets. In 2016 we were able to get Will into a Residential Care Facility. He was appointed a new guardian and is now under guardianship of Greene County PA. He has been at his current Residential Care Facility for several years and is doing well. During COVID, the facility that Will lives in was completely locked down. He wasn’t allowed to leave or have visitors for almost two years. COVID was very difficult for Will as he is a very social person. Will loves working and interacting. Will has not only overcome several adversities, but also betrayal. And yet remains one of the most genuine and kindest souls we get the pleasure of knowing. He really is a gem