“I feel lucky and motivated to be alive,” says John, a Tender Mercies resident since 2020. Last October, John was in a harrowing motorcycle accident at 60 years old, resulting in a broken spine and a hospital stay that lasted until February. After months of rigorous adherence to physical therapy, John can walk again and feels minimal pain today. John has fought his fair share of physical and mental battles, but for much of his life he was fighting alone.
Back in 2018, John moved to Cincinnati to be near his sister, who knew of his mental health struggles. John first obtained shelter with local organizations Caracole, and then Gospel Mission, before coming to Tender Mercies in 2020.
At first, it was a “really hard change” for John to acclimate to the new environment and face his mental illness head-on. Just as he was settling into his new apartment, the COVID-19 pandemic struck. John, like all of us, felt “extremely isolated” during this time. It was hard to stay hopeful.
As pandemic restrictions lifted, John began to see the importance of community in his life. “It means so much more when we can all get together,” says John, and he is extremely grateful for “each and every thing” staff does, from hosting Pride celebrations to pitching in to buy food for his emotional support dog, Jackson. Tender Mercies has given John the resources and community he needs to thrive: He now sees a therapist and doctors regularly, and he notes that “if you need something, you will get it” at Tender Mercies. Having this security in his life makes it much easier to set and achieve his goals. “I was really afraid to address those mental health issues,” John says. But, “I’ve made so much progress.”
John is looking forward to moving on and finding a new place to live independently. Both his creativity and handiwork are notably unmatched at our 821 Flats building, and he is excited to fill his next home with intricate custom-made furnishings. Despite the challenges that come with finding housing, John is determined and optimistic. He recently secured his social security, which is a huge step in the right direction for him. “I have to be my own advocate,” states John, who hopes to secure a job and stay active in his community.
“When your worry is about where you’re going to live, and what it’s going to take to make it, it’s very difficult to get your life on track”
Now that John has the resources necessary to live and cope with his mental illness, he can look ahead to a brighter future. Tender Mercies has faith that John will continue to grow and thrive wherever he goes.
This interview and more are available in our 2024 Annual Report.
