The ball’s a rolling……..

Well, I went down to Opelika today and went by the Social Security office. They are setting me up in the ticket to work program. This will allow me to work part time for up to $600 extra dollars a month for a total of $1400 dollars maximum. They are going to call me back when everything is set up and then mail me my ticket.

I then went by Alabama State Vocational Rehabilitation and got set up for an appointment for an interview. I was worried as to what disabilities would be accepted in the program. As far as the receptionist let on, schizophrenia is an excepted mental disability. They are going to call me back to set up an interview.

I noticed that my neighbor from down the street works there. She drives the Easter Seal/Achievement center bus and is also a counselor there. She was glad to see me and told me she would help me out in any way I needed. She told me I could ride with her on mornings to any classes I needed to take at rehab. I thanked her as the gas will start to add up once I start driving down to Opelika every day for rehabilitation.

I am very excited and want things to progress quickly. As with anything dealing with the state or federal government, the process can be slow so I must be patient. At least I got the ball rolling and the process started. I pray that I am accepted for rehab and that they will help with going back to school. I also want a part time job while I go to school to bring in extra money. I hope they help me with placement and with an employer who will be accommodating to my disability and understand my limitations.

Thanks for sharing the ride and reading along. It helps to know I have somewhere where I can talk about these things. It helps me to organize and put down my thoughts on “paper”. Thanks for reading and hopefully this success story will continue to evolve.

I would have never thought 7 or 8 months ago when I was homeless that I could have come so far in such a short time. It has taken hard work and diligence though. Nothing comes for free. I am just glad I have a supporting family now and I have a home as a base station for starting all these endeavors. Take care and I am going to take a nap. It was a busy morning and I am zonked out.