Tiny Triumphs, Major Milestones- Rita's Journey
Sometimes, the most beautiful stories evolve from challenging beginnings. Rita's story is one of them. As a young girl, Rita experienced learning and developmental disabilities. As was common at the time, Rita's parents admitted her to a group home, from which she didn't leave for decades- until she was 33 years old.
For Rita, loss has been a recurring theme in her life. Placement in group homes due to her parents' rejection, the heart-wrenching moment when her own child was taken into state custody, and the emotional turmoil of living with severe mental illness. Rita's experiences painted a picture of a world characterized more by upheaval and instability than by safety and trust. Her past left her fearful and cautious. People in her life and the institutions she was expected to trust had so often been the authors of her pain, making trust very challenging for her.
When Rita first started working with Jennifer, a firsthand Guide (peer recovery specialist) in Cincinnati, her fear was palpable. Doors remained closed and Jennifer's phone calls went unanswered. Despite the initial lack of response, Jennifer remained committed, consistently reaching out to Rita, knowing that firsthand’s services could really make a positive difference in her life.
Then, one day, Rita reached out to Jennifer, asking if they could talk. When Rita finally opened her door and her world to Jennifer, it was a huge triumph over the fears that had long held her back. Trust couldn't be built overnight. Rita continued to connect with Jennifer, gradually letting her in.
In interactions like those between Rita and Jennifer, we can see clearly the importance of our mission – to break down barriers, respect each individual's journey and their place on it, and remember that at the core of every individual lies a strong resilience and capacity for change.
As their relationship grew, Jennifer helped Rita build connections with behavioral health providers, medical providers and community services. She also identified some of Rita's unique social needs and worked hard to address them.
On Rita's birthday, Jennifer planned a surprise party at the firsthand office. In all her 64 years, Rita had never celebrated her birthday. Jennifer brought Rita to the office for an "appointment," turned on the lights, and the whole team surprised her with cake, pizza, decorations, party favors and gifts. Jennifer got her a new sweater- the very first piece of brand-new clothing that Rita had ever received.
Rita's growing confidence and trust in her support system began empowering her to take charge of practical aspects of her life. While it seemed daunting initially, Rita handled the complex process of applying for a housing voucher with the support of Shanice, firsthand Cincinnati’s Community Resource Guide. Shanice also assisted Rita with errands and learning features of her cell phone.
Rita always asks Jen about her cat, so when Jen won a stuffed cat in a claw machine, she thought Rita would appreciate it. Boy, does she! Rita named him “Hands” after firsthand, and takes him everywhere. Here are Jen, Rita and Hands on their way to a doctor’s appointment.
As much as Rita enjoys being supported, she has grown to equally enjoy the opportunity to support others. She checks in on her firsthand care team, making them feel loved and cared for. Jennifer is currently working to get Rita involved in more adult day activities to continue to build her network of friends and her support system beyond her firsthand family.
In Rita's words, "The way Jennifer treats me makes me feel warm inside."
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.
Jen and Rita on Thanksgiving
“Spent my Thanksgiving with one of my favorite people. This is what completes my life. I feel so full today.” -Jen
Rita’s story and photos were shared with her consent and approval.
