Leonard Todak
As told by Laurie Senyk, site administrator for Partners In Recovery Metro Campus.
Leonard has had his fair share of obstacles to overcome, but that has not stopped him from achieving his recovery goals. In fact, it has motivated him more. In 2008, Leonard was referred for case management services at Partners In Recovery’s Metro Campus. At the time of his referral, he had recently been released from prison and had a long history of substance abuse. With no job and very limited resources, Leonard immediately began working with his clinical team to identify and set goals for this recovery. He also took the time to meet with his case manager and a rehabilitation specialist to discuss his learning and working needs.
Leonard was determined to be able to provide for his family, he wanted to be employed, but needed to obtain his GED. His felony record was making it difficult for him to obtain employment, but that didn’t slow him down. Leonard was fortunate to have stable housing with this wife who supported him with his recovery and goals. He also utilized his church for additional support, attending the church’s recovery group to continue his sobriety.
Although the clinical team advocated to have his case reviewed in mental health court, he experienced a set back in March 2009 when he was sentenced to two months in the local jail for a previous charge. Immediately upon his release, he reconnected with his clinical team, who helped him get back on track with his recovery and future goals. He attended WRAP (Wellness and Recovery Action Plan) and WELL (Wellness and Empowerment in Life and Living) classes, and continued working on obtaining his GED. Before long, Leonard would experience another setback when he discovered the providers offering GED classes had long waiting lists.
Regardless of this set back, he kept his focus and determination. He made frequent calls to his clinical team and providers to find out where he was on the waiting list and to help pass the time, his case manager suggested he apply for Magellan’s computer giveaway program. Leonard won the computer and began taking classes at the Maricopa Skills Center. Finally, in November 2009, Leonard began his GED classes and by April 2010 he had completed all his schooling and testing, and received his GED. To further his education he applied and was accepted into the Maricopa Skills Center’s Meat Cutting Training Program. Soon he had completed his college courses, obtained his certificate, and secured full time employment.
With limited resources and great barriers, he remained motivated. With the encouragement of his clinical team and determination Leonard has been sober since 2008. In a recent conversation he stated, “My case manager and rehabilitation specialist have been here to help me out and achieve all my goals. They have encouraged me, helped me win a computer, visited me at my home, sent me to WRAP classes, provided me bus passes to get to school and work, and overall have gone above and beyond.”
Leonard continues to be optimistic about his future and looking into becoming a peer support specialist, “I feel that it is time for me to give back and help others.”
