Guys,
Thanks for all the offers. That may be useful later if he follows through.
I think the sequence I’ll try is:
Keep him situated where he is best reasonably alive. Make sure he has shelter, food and clothes.
Make sure he complies with his parole requirements (otherwise he goes to jail).
Get his ID fully up to date. That includes birth certificate, Colorado ID, Social Security card, etc. Only with this can he get a real job.
Get him services from the Department of Human Services, the Social Security Administration and others. I’m going to approach this to get him maximum services and then have him shed them as he can possibly start making money and reintegrate in real life. This way if (when) there is a “bump”, he doesn’t fall to the bottom again. It seems to me that he may need some sort of life-long safety net. It is hard to tell at this stage.
Once things are somewhat stable, he can prove some level of responsibility and demonstrates aspirations to “make good” with a real job again, then I’ll introduce him to my friend and others in the business. That too will probably require some support from me (us).
If (when) he can make that transition, he probably will need a LOT of help. Mostly with getting settled in the right way and who he associates with. This may be where volunteerism on his part may be most important. I can see a situation where he gives and learns from it.
Part of this will be the responsibility for having his own efficiency apartment. This may be where our collective help can be of use. I’m not a believer in blind giving. Perhaps there can be some situation where he can earn furnishings by giving his time to others or something. I have suggested “Habitat for Humanity.”
One thing he has repeatedly expressed is his desire to get away from the local where he is. He has lived there forever. He says he knows too many people who he doesn’t want to associate with again – mostly alcohol related. I think I agree.
The current issue is he has “residence” in this jurisdiction. If he moves next week he probably will loose the ability to get any help form the agencies. I don’t want to see that happen.
I think my plan is to help inspire him to make the best of the current situation, demonstrate his responsibility and earn some money (as little as it is). If he can do that (even with help) then I may help him take the next step.
For him to move to an unfamiliar city, it will be even more important for him to be in the right circle of people. Just as Pelican is a “community” so are whoever he associates with. It would be wrong to throw him into a situation and leave him to his own devices. That is a recipe for failure. It should be possible to have a “support system” in place. Just how should it be done?
A critical aspect of this is the job situation. He seems willing to start at the bottom to gain entry to real life. That said everyone needs to be able to see a path to the “better life.” That is what will possibly motivate him to remain sober and improve his lot.
Changing local, I will need some help from my Northern Colorado friends.
Guys, I would like to hear some counter-argument here. I think that makes for good discussion. Most who know me realize I can make a good argument against what I am proposing or doing. The argument pro & con benefits everyone.
Best,
Grady
Pinko Commie Socialist hat today
