Dear Friend of C4 ,
Patty Hanlon is a survivor. Over the past 25 years she has struggled with severe depression, anxiety, homelessness and a string of sexual assaults that began in childhood.
By her own estimation, she has been hospitalized more than 25 times over the past 35 years for suicidal tendencies.The first occurred when the 52-year-old was in her teens.
The frequent hospitalizations ended when Patty started coming to C4 three years ago.
"I've had many doctors, therapists and social workers since I was in my 20s, but no one ever took an interest in my whole being," she recalls. "But C4 cares so much, and that is why it works."
"They don't look down on you because you have problems- they help you work through your problems."
For Patty, who earned a bachelor's degree in marketing, the worst downward spiral began when she lost her job in sales. Unable to find work, she lost her home and began sleeping in forest preserves, using a Weber grill to cook and camouflaging her tent with branches so it would not be visible from the parking lot.
When Patty first encountered C4, she was living in a women's shelter. With C4's help, she eventually moved to her own apartment in Des Plaines and found a part-time job as a sales rep. A combination of medication and therapy help her cope with bouts of depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Last November, Patty was married and adopted a shelter dog named Shamrock.
But that's not all. With the help of C4 job coach Tania Morawiec, she hopes to find a full -time job with benefits: last week, Patty had three interviews.
She figures employers would be lucky to have her on the payroll.
"I'm the hardest worker they'll ever have," she says. "I just keep going."
Inspired by Patty's story? It's not too late to make a difference! We still need your help to tell our legislators in Springfield to stop cutting mental health services. Drastic cuts proposed by Governor Quinn would reduce or eliminate services for 1,600 adults and 200 children now helped by C4, and thousands of others around the state. With one simple click, you can cut and paste our sample letter and use our legislative finder to identify your state representative and senator and send a letter today. Say no to budget cuts Thank you very much, on behalf of Patty and all the adults and children whose lives have changed for the better because of C4. Here are more ways to help: Indulge in C4's own signature dessert truffle at the Berghoff ( 17 West Adams) now through May 31, and C4 will get half the proceeds. You can also make a general donation on your dinner receipt. Thank you! ************************************************************************************** Community Counseling Centers of Chicago (C4) 4740 N. Clark Chicago, Il 60640 773 769-0205 Crisis Line and All Services Find out more at c4chicago.org |