A: Transitional Living Inc. was incorporated 35 years ago to meet the needs of individuals who were coming from Longview (state mental health hospital) back into the community. At that time, de-institutionalization was in full swing and Transitional Living was formed to assist in empowering these individuals to acquire daily living and coping skills needed to mainstream back into their community and achieve recovery.
Transitional Living Inc. is very “people first” oriented. We believe that everyone has the right to a quality of life that is supported by the natural resources and relationships of their community. We truly believe that everyone we work with can achieve this and can recover. Transitional Living built its philosophy on the strengths of the individuals we serve.
Transitional Living is different from other organizations in many ways, but what stands out are several programs that are unique to our organization: PATH (homeless outreach); TAP (a residential treatment program); the mental health courts in Fairfield, Hamilton and Middletown; training of Butler County local police departments and law enforcement agencies; and the Butler County Jail mental health services. Many, if not all of these programs, would not be possible without the support of the Butler County Mental Health Board.
Q: What’s the most common misperception that people have about Transitional Living Inc.?
A: That we are just a housing provider. Transitional Living is a treatment provider that serves individuals who have been diagnosed with a severe and persistent mental health need.
Q: From your perspective, what’s the greatest human need that’s going unmet in Butler County?
A: Decent, safe and affordable housing
Q: If people want to volunteer, what can they expect? What are the requirements?
A: Anyone who would like to volunteer could contact us here at Transitional Living at (513) 863-6383. We do have requirements, such as criminal background checks and volunteers having to be over the age of 18.
Q: How broad a geographic area does Transitional Living Inc. serve?
A: Transitional Living serves all of Butler County.
Q: How many lives are touched each year?
A: In an average year, we serve 1,000-plus citizens.
Q: What would happen if Transitional Living did not exist?
A: There would be a significant gap in mental health services for those individuals in Butler County who need mental health services and treatment.
There would also be a significant gap in homeless outreach, as Transitional Living is the only agency that does active assertive street outreach into the community to identify and serve those individuals who are homeless and also having mental health needs. This is a program that is available 24 hours, seven days a week.
Q: What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
A: Working with people! I love working with the individuals we serve, the staff I work with, and the community that has heart. This includes law enforcement and courts that have taken a proactive approach to assisting citizens who have mental health needs.
Q: What’s the most challenging?
A: Finding the resources that are essential to the success of the individuals we serve.
Q: What are the challenges that face your organization in the coming years?
A: Funding — possible cuts in mental health funding. Mental health has had no increase in Medicaid rates for more than 10 years, although the cost-of-living rate has significantly soared in corresponding years. Budgeting is an ever-burdensome task.
Q: What keeps you up at night?
A: What keeps me up at night is that someone is out there sleeping on the streets. That someone is in the cold and in unsafe and unhealthy conditions, needing help.
Q: What led you to this work?
A: My mother who had a love and respect for every person. She truly believed that everyone is created equal in the eyes of God!
Q: How long do you plan to continue?
A: Many more years! I love my job and the work Transitional Living does and see no retirement in the near future.
Q: Who have been your role models in life?
A: My mother, Mother Teresa and Martin Luther King Jr.
Q: Tell us something about yourself that the general public wouldn’t know.
A: I served on Hamilton City Council for 10 years (two of which were as vice mayor). The most important part of my life is my family. I love them dearly and am very proud of them. I am married with two sons who are also married. I have three grandchildren who are the love of my life.
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