Rural America Initiatives – Access to Mental Health Counseling
One employee was in a very violent relationship with a person who had a strong addiction. He is in jail currently awaiting sentencing. Even while recovering from severe physical abuse, she came to work seeking support and direction. Her supervisor contacted the counselor who took her into her office to hear her story. The physical abuse was very evident, and she was exhausted from an all-night encounter with him while trying to protect her children. She was traumatized by the abuse, so the counselor had her rest in her office on site. She was encouraged to get medical attention and continue to work with law enforcement. She has done an excellent job of following through. She has come to sessions every week and shows and shares her recovery. She is extremely committed to her recovery and the recovery of her children, which appears to be going well. Her supervisors are very pleased and support her 100%. She has more ahead of her regarding his domestic violence charges, but she is committed. She is talking about returning to college at some point and would like to take psychology classes. Big hats off to her supervisor for her love for her staff and faith in this kind of (mental health) work. The counselor reflects on her physical condition the morning after her terrible night, and I realize what an amazing place RAI is. They love their staff and the children and families they serve. Kudos to the whole system.