From the time he was young, Stanley A. struggled with anxiety and other mental health disorders. Eventually, those difficulties were compounded by drug use, which led to him dropping out of college and ending his nursing studies. Addiction robbed him of motivation to do anything else, and he spiraled into a cycle of unemployment and homelessness.

“My drug addiction kept me from going to work,” he said. “I tried almost every job. I just couldn’t make myself go to work.”

For 10 years, Stanley slept on friends’ couches, lived in homeless encampments or stayed on the streets. Even when he wanted work, being homeless made it near impossible to get a job. In time, he admitted to himself that he needed help to get out of his situation. He sought help from a local mental health agency, which then referred him to CSS.

Through services at CSS, he was able to get housing and mental health treatment. He got clean and stayed sober for more than three years. Unfortunately, that changed when he got into a relationship with a woman who was using drugs, and he relapsed.

“I thought I could manage it,” he said. “I couldn’t.”

Fortunately, Stanley’s story didn’t end there. Because of his previous interactions with CSS, he knew he could get his life back.

He returned to CSS, where he was assigned a case manager, took part in addiction education and relapse-prevention classes, and attended therapy groups that gave him the tools to change his life.

“I got a lot of out of it,” he said, “and I put a lot into it. I made discoveries about myself and my disabilities.”

He also credits Supported Employment for getting his life on track.

“My job coach really helped me out with getting secure and getting stabilized with a job,” he said. “The job program is a really good service if you are willing to put in the effort. You’ve got to put in the effort. You’ve got to know what you want. You can’t be on the fence, and you’ve got to know that CSS will back you up.”

Through help from the program, Stanley got a job as a lobby attendant at the Sheraton in Cuyahoga Falls earlier this year. His steady paycheck has enabled him to get a car, which helps him get to Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings – important support now that he’s been sober for two years.

He also now lives in his own one-bedroom apartment, thanks to help from North Coast Community Homes, and he’s even returning to school. He starts HVAC classes at a local college this month.

While the changes are all good, Stanley admits the future still can stir up his anxiety. However, he has learned – from his classes and through daily affirmations and keeping an attitude of gratitude – that he can tackle the challenges.

“(CSS) helped me find a positive place for me to be in. It helped to give me some hope that there’s a future for me,” he said. “I know if I apply myself, then I’ll have no problems. I’m not going to do it all on my own. There’s nothing wrong with reaching out for help.”