Author Archives: AJ French

Greetings!  It’s been awhile since I blogged on Next Steps website.  No, I have not resumed my former position as the Lead Organizer for Central and Southern Illinois.  But there is something weighing on my heart that I wanted to write about.  I asked Fred Friedman if I could make this post and he agreed.

Earlier this summer, my air conditioning went out and I was hot.  Since I live in a brick home I was literally baking while inside.  I was able to have the air fixed within a few days, but other Next Step members have not been so fortunate.

Jeremy lived without air conditioning for 1 1/2 months.  When asked about it, he talked about the “frustration of being in a black hole” and how it was “almost like I was left to die.”

Fred has lived the past week in 100 degree temperatures without air conditioning.  To stay cool, he went to public places that have air conditioning.

Kyle is who breaks my heart.  I ran into Kyle today and he told me that he is living in his car.  It was 103 degrees outside.  I hope Kyle is alive tomorrow. 

I hope all of us can live another day without suffering alone in the heat or without housing.  The cynical side of me thinks that society is content to let us die.  The angry side of me looks for someone to blame.  But in the depths of my soul, I just want my brothers and sisters in the recovery movement to live.

We deserve better than this.

Tonight I had opportunity to attend a public meeting that addressed issues such as diversity in the workforce, safe affordable housing and a responsible budget.  In attendance were leaders from faith communities, elected officials and representatives from various minority organizations. 

This was an informational meeting and there was not opportunity for those in attendance to provide input.  ie: I couldn’t say what was boiling inside of me.  It bothered me that persons with disabilities, were excluded from the information that was being presented.  There was information about employment and housing that didn’t take into consideration those of us who are unable to work due to living with debilitating mental health conditions which we did not choose to have.  There was also valuable information about having a responsible budget, yet the material was presented without any representation from disability stakeholders. 

Afterwards, I had opportunity to chat with the individual who had invited me.  I tried to express my thoughts to him and now I will try to express them to you.  The whole meeting was about equality and social justice, yet we were left out.  Persons living with mental health conditions were not included in the planning, and as a result, not represented in the presentation.  Then my friend said to me, “AJ, that’s why we need you to get involved.” 

I must admit, my gut response was no way.  I did not want to be part of any group where I felt so completely unwelcome.  Yet I know that my friend spoke words of truth and I also know there is not enough of me to go around.  If we do not actively participate in our community and make our needs known, we are demonstrating that we are content with our world as it is.  Next Steps needs your prescence in community discussions.  Are you willing to volunteer?

September 29th – October 3rd I attended the Alternatives Conference in Anaheim, California.  The conference was about promoting wellness through social justice, was funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and organized by the National Empowerment Center.  I was afforded the opportunity to attend on scholarship, for which I am very grateful to Next Steps NFP.

So instead of giving you a rundown on the sessions I attended, I thought I would share with you my favorite quotes from the conference.  Enjoy!

“Five days can pass before you know it, but the gifts you give can change a life…”  -Gentleman who gave opening benediction

“We don’t want to get trapped only in peer support.  People should have employment positions at all levels of administration.”  -Dan Fisher, National Empowerment Center

“When budget cuts have to come, let’s re-examine our priorities.”  -Lou Correa, California Senator

“People recover.  It’s not about systems and services.  It’s about people’s lives.”  -Pam Hyde, SAMHSA

“Relationships are built on trust and knowledge.”  -Fred Friedman, Next Steps NFP

“Any time you speak with a federal agent, you are giving input.”  -Shawn Terrell, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services/Office of Disability

“Policymakers and providers both need a better understanding of medicaid reimbursement for consumer-driven care.”  -John O’Brien, SAMHSA

“Medicaid is the largest payer for behavioral health services in America, yet it is not designed specifically for mental health/substance abuse.”  -Barbara Coulter Edwards, Center for Medicaid Services

“Storytelling causes us to shift from negative circumstances to person-hood…when we tell our story, it opens the door for others to do so…storytelling is connected to leadership.”  Leah Harris, National Empowerment Center

“You cannot heal me without my cooperation.”  -Carol Patterson, Attendee

“We must evolve emotionally and disregard our old unhealthy habits as we would old clothes that no longer fit.”  -Alexander Bingham, Presenter

“…transparency is not about telling everybody everything.”  -Brenda Vezina-Jodaitis, Central Massachusetts Recovery Learning Community

“Don’t die with your rights on.”  -Sheryle Stafford, California Association of Social Rehabilitation Agencies  Sheryl may have been quoting someone else…I’m not quite sure, but decided to post these words because they have value.

“Before you speak, make sure it is kind, true, helpful and necessary.”  -Attendee

“Community organizing is all about building people power.”  -David Oaks, MindFreedom International

“Stop writing people a blank check because they have a disability.”  -David Oaks

“I was recording the story so I could come back and do something about it.”  -Sally Zinman, Alameda County (California) Behavioral Health Care Services

“Talk to people.  They are our greatest natural resource.”  -Vanessa Jean Landau, HEROES Project

Let me leave you with one pearl that was prompted by Presenter Alexandar Bingham.  He said that ”anyone is capable of breaking down” and as he said those words, I couldn’t help but think that if anyone is capable of breaking down, then anyone is capable of being restored…and you can quote me on that!

Sunday, September 26th I rode a chartered bus to Chicago to attend “Stepping UP! A Celebration of Transformation and Growth” which was the first-ever statewide meeting for Next Steps NFP.  What an honor to be part of such a celebratory and historic occasion!  Years from now, I can envision someone saying to me “remember being in that overcrowded church basement where there was standing room only?”  I remember it and will remember it well!

As we departed each bus stop, I would ask “Are we ready to move forward in Illinois?” and the battle-cry was “Let’s go!” followed by applause for both hearing and deaf persons.  read more…