|
|||
|
|||
| News Updates: (show all) It's not too late to change your obituary! |
 |
WHAT'S NEW? It's not too late to change your obituary! Sunday, May 30, 2010 “It's not too late to change your obituary.” This has to be the most powerful, impacting statement I have heard in my four years as a Property Manager at CPM. It embodies the joys of life, and the finalities of death. It brings to mind the power we all have within ourselves – the power of change! This statement comes from a tenant I thoroughly respect – Keith Kirkland. Keith was selected as this year’s Keynote speaker for Horizon House’s 2010 Recognition Day, a day to honor program participants for all their many achievements. The event was hosted by the Director of the ACT services teams Carla Williams and the Director of Homeless services, David Dunbeck. Also in attendance, 1260’s very own Walt Kubiak and Horizon House’s Jeff Wilush, along with myself and all the ACT Team Leaders. We sat down to an enjoyable breakfast together. A sense of accomplishment filled the air. There were jokes and whistles, hugs for friends and exchanges of gratitude for help received along the journey. We all posed for photos and exchanged congratulatory hand shakes and nods.
A fitting Keynote speaker, Keith is a true model of success. He embodies the 12 Step saying “It works if you work it, so work it – you’re worth it!” Keith was already a tenant of 1260/CPM when I came aboard as Property Manager for 1260 and Horizon House’s Home First Program. He was living in a modest home on Spring Garden Streets, located in the Philadelphia’s University City section. Keith was full of pride and joy, which showed in his unit—always clean and neat, never failing inspection! He was determined and focused, but most important humble. “I’m only one step away from you all sitting in this audience. You want to see crazy? You aint seen crazy—let me forget to take my meds for a day or two!” Keith recounted his story about being homeless on the streets for 10 years with complete disregard for his personal hygiene and health, addicted to drugs and alcohol. Though it wasn’t easy, when presented with his housing opportunity from Horizon House Keith maximized it to the fullest. I’d see Keith out in his community, coming or going to a meeting, a job, or some other community activity, always looking for a way up. Keith was strategic and determined. He engineered his way into independence. He wanted to manage his illness and not let it manage him and his life. He waited for no one, made no excuses. When he informed me that he was going to leave the program and venture out on his own, I admit I was skeptical and somewhat nervous. But I also believed in Keith’s tenacity. I believed he could do it. And he did—in a big way! He found his own apartment, managed his own funds, and began work with the Community Treatment Team as a Peer Specialist. He later became certified in the field and took a job with the Department of Veterans Affairs here in Philadelphia—a position that has offered him many exciting opportunities—travel, education, and giving back to his community. Keith continues to work his program and strives for his absolute best, marching ever forward toward his ultimate goal of becoming a home owner some day. Keith’s statement rang loud to me that day: “Remember, it’s not too late to change your Obituary! You do not have to be the person you are today. Drugs and alcohol, even mental illness, don’t have to define who you are. You have a choice—a voice. Use it! Demand better for yourself from yourself. Use the opportunities you have been given, and be remembered for the good you have done. It’s not too late!” - by Kevin Smith Labels: Home First, Horizon House, residents |
| 2042-48 Arch Street, 2nd Floor Philadelphia, PA 19103 Ph: 215.557.8484 TTY: 215-496-0321 Email: ContactUs@columbuspm.org |
| Copyright 2010. Columbus Property Management, Inc. All rights reserved. |