Autism Awareness and Acceptance: An Unexpected Journey
By sharing my personal journey living with autism, I hope to continue raising awareness, enhancing understanding, and humanizing the narratives around autism and other forms of neurodiversity. By doing so, I believe we can collectively break down existing stigmas and misconceptions, fostering a more empathetic world for everyone that struggles with mental illness and disorders.
It Works If You Work It, So Keep Coming Back
Every day brings new challenges as we tackle hurdles together, functioning not just as an office but as a community and a growing company. Our dynamic model demands that we bring our whole selves to the table as we serve marginalized populations. But here's the kicker – every day, we find ourselves coming back and making it work.
“I figured I would spend the rest of my life out here and would die on the streets.”
Matthew had been sleeping outside for years, living in survival mode, hand to mouth. He was actively using drugs, and had serious mental and physical health issues that needed to be addressed. Then he met Stephanie, a firsthand Guide in Jacksonville. Stephanie and the Jacksonville team worked together to support Matthew in finding housing, connecting with behavioral healthcare and a primary care provider, and going through detox. Today, Matthew is housed and receiving the care that he needs and deserves. He’s looking forward to getting eye surgery so he can get back to his favorite thing- reading!
Tiny Triumphs, Major Milestones- Rita's Journey
Change can blossom in the seemingly trivial - an opened door, an answered phone call, a sense of warmth. It was those little moments of connection that paved the way for larger victories. Even the biggest milestones often have their roots in the smallest triumphs.
Healed People Heal People: My journey to becoming a CPRS
Because of my Higher Power and this woman, this CPRS (Certified Peer Recovery Supporter), I had more freedom from behind cinder block walls and razor wire fences than I'd ever had on the outside of them.
The path to self-sufficiency is paved with support: How accepting help made me stronger
After working closely with Chastity and Zach at firsthand, I realized it's okay to receive help. It doesn't mean you can't climb the ladder on your own. It just means that you might need someone to help you reach the first step.
Leading with Compassion: Meet Lance Schema, Firsthand's DCO in Ohio
Lance Schema, MPA is firsthand’s DCO in Columbus and Toledo, Ohio.
Pride through Prejudice- Navigating Mental Health and Embracing LGBTQ+ Identity
When I reflect on my life, I know that the younger version of me, the little Mallory who never thought I would be able to live unapologetically as my true self, would be incredibly proud of the person I've become.
Embracing Autonomy: Bones' Housing Journey
One of firsthand’s values is “Individuals at the Center”. This experience helped solidify that even when the outcome or timeline may not align with our team’s ideal vision, an individual's independence and self-governance should always be centered, honored, and respected.
What if it All Works Out? - My firsthand Journey
I am proud to let others know that I am the one in control of my life, not bipolar disorder.
Solidarity and Support: Robert's Journey
For Robert’s recovery through his mental health challenges, it is important for him to give back by sharing his story with others, providing a source of solidarity, empathy, inspiration and support. Robert is creating a series of videos about his lived experience and learnings.
Listen: firsthand’s CEO Samir Malik on the Pear Healthcare Playbook Podcast
I had the pleasure of interviewing Samir Malik, CEO and Co-Founder of firsthand, on the Pear Healthcare Playbook with Pear VC. Samir is working to transform care and the recovery journey for those with SMI. During our conversation, we discussed how firsthand is helping SMI patients engage with the healthcare ecosystem, and the challenges that come with providing care to this population.
Mental Health Awareness Month, 2023
With it being Mental Health Awareness Month, I decided to write about living with bipolar disorder.