Derrick has been engaged in Park Center services since early 2019. He has participated in our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) five times, but each time has experienced significant roadblocks that have impacted his ability to graduate our program. This March, Derrick graduated from our IOP program! We we were able to celebrate Derrick, hear his life story, and hand him his IOP graduation certificate.
Derrick lost his arm in a traumatic train accident in 2009 and has been experiencing homelessness for over 20 years. In spite of the challenges he has faced and continues to experience, he has remained an absolute beam of light and joy and one of the best advocates for people experiencing homelessness I have ever met. Derrick is constantly coming to my office telling me about someone he met on the street that has a need and workshopping how to help them connect to services.
When IOP members are on break from group and walk down to the gas station, he encourages his fellow group members to discuss the group topic, to use their coping skills when they encounter a trigger, and above all, to remain hopeful.
Not only is Derrick a smart and kind man, he is also an artist! He takes miniature pocket bibles, wraps them in cling wrap and toilet paper, and paints them to create biblical character dolls. He hopes to start his own business of selling these dolls and wants to give a portion of the proceeds to help people experiencing homelessness. As a celebration of his hard work, we were able to purchase 10 bibles and art supplies to help get his business off the ground. He has already started crafting his next doll!
Derrick shares,
“No matter what, Park Center let me keep coming back even after I messed up over and over.”
Hearing his life story reminded me yet again of the power of hope and second chances. I am so proud of Derrick.
