I look forward to coming to work every day, not something that can be said for all jobs and employers! I feel supported as a professional and as a person with a life outside of work. I appreciate an environment that fosters professional development and personal growth and encourages me to draw on my individual talents. I have had great mentors who helped me to grow in my career and navigate the challenges of this important work. HCRS staff have a sense of humor that helps us get through the stressful situations that arise, with great collaboration and teamwork!

The past 6 years working within an HCRS residential program has allowed me to grow professionally in ways that I was not able to in other jobs. I have been given unique training opportunities, room to be creative, and quality supervision from passionate supervisors who have all promoted my growth.

The Walk-in Clinic staff were friendly and non-judgmental. They had inspiring ideas and goals for my issues. I felt respected as a client.

The Walk-in Clinic was helpful because I was able to receive feedback on problematic situations that I am not able to discuss with anyone else in my life.

Both the individual therapy and the women’s group have been VERY helpful and yield lots of suggestions as well as food for thought. The women’s group has been especially beneficial in that I’ve learned I am not the only one with problems and it has shown camaraderie, understanding, and friendship.

When I get here I’m sad and stressed and can’t even think clearly, but by the time I leave I don’t feel sad or stressed out. I know I can talk to them about anything and everything.

“David” an 8 year old boy with classic Autism, came to us after being removed from his home by DCF. He was non-verbal, using grunting sounds and pointing or acting out to communicate his thoughts and feelings. He had an intense fear of going outside and making transitions to new places was overwhelming for him. His academic skills were extremely low and he was not getting any real educational services due to the upheaval in his life. HCRS staff immediately began to identify the services he would need to progress and grow. A shared living provider was found who has given him a wonderful family environment to live and grow in. David now goes to school for the whole day. He is using his words more than ever and instead of pulling on someone or grunting or pointing, he is prompted to use requests like “ Can I use the computer, please,” without being told.

It gives me a chance to open up and talk to other people that have the same “problem/issues” as myself, without feeling like I am being judged.

“Amy” is an amazing young lady who came to HCRS in 2007; she had been placed in residential school due to her uncontrolled behavior issues and inconsistent home life and had a State appointed legal guardian. With the help of HCRS, Amy was placed in more stable home environment with a family that she had already established a relationship with during emergency respite care. With natural supports and the supports from HCRS; Amy has been able to establish a safe and more consistent relationship between herself and her biological family; she has been able to maintain gainful employment; and just last year was legally appointed to be her own guardian. Amy started working part-time at a grocery store and a department store. In 2010, Amy successfully completed a 3 month internship as a front desk clerk. This internship opportunity really helped build Amy’s vocational skills and professional self esteem. Since this internship, Amy has flourished at work and socially.