“Through our time with Sharon, we learned the importance of individuals being in charge of their own destiny. Every path is different. Expressing their needs and desires, and having those choices be respected, can make a huge difference in an individual’s recovery.” On the blog, firsthand Guide Andrea writes about Sharon's journey from the brink of despair to a place of hope and stability. *Trigger warning: Suicidal thoughts/attempts* Sharon's story has been shared with her permission.
Shanice is a Senior Community Resources Guide (benefits specialist) in Cincinnati, OH. Her passion for firsthand’s mission is driven by her own experiences navigating the complexities of public assistance and mental healthcare as a single teen mom. Her role at firsthand allows Shanice to empower others with the knowledge and resources she once sought herself. Read Shanice’s bio below. If you’re interested in helping individuals living with serious mental illness by connecting them to resources that they need and deserve, check out our Community Resources Guide job openings here: firsthandcares.com/work-with-us
From navigating mental health challenges to the process of coming out, Sarah reminds us that visibility, vulnerability, and being authentically you can change the world, one heart at a time. Read more on the blog:
June 21st marks firsthand's second anniversary of serving individuals living with serious mental illness. On 6/21/2022, we knocked on our first door in Nashville, TN- hoping to help the individual on the other side. Since that day, our journey has taken us to 15,000 doorsteps across five states, allowing us to connect with more than 5,000 remarkable individuals. Together, we've navigated the complexities of mental health care, we've addressed basic needs including food and housing, and we've embarked on paths to healing and recovery. And we’re only get started! We envision a world where all people who live with serious mental and physical illness are able to live their best life, and we plan to walk alongside them to build it.
We are proud to be awarded a Platinum Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health by Mental Health America. The Bell Seal is a first-of-its-kind workplace mental health certification recognizing organizations that strive to create mentally healthy workplaces for their team members. Our staff on the front lines wear their hearts on their sleeves every day, connecting with individuals living with serious mental illness through their shared experiences, many of which are painful and traumatic. As they say, you can’t pour from an empty cup. So it’s our priority to ensure that our team members are supported, cared for, and heard. The work isn’t easy, but the reward is huge- they’re changing lives for the better. https://mhanational.org/bell-seal/recipients
At firsthand, each individual we serve brings their own unique struggles and barriers to reaching the fulfilling life they deserve. Our local teams provide the trust and individualized support they need in order to accomplish their goals. These are not just personal triumphs, but also milestones of collective progress in mental health care. We are witnessing real, transformative change that begins with each person we are privileged to help. The dedication and expertise of our team make these transformations possible. Our VP and GM of Activation, Sandy Varatharajah Malkan, and Board Member Ben Robbins embody the spirit of service that defines firsthand. Their recognition among the Top 50 for Digital Health 2023 highlights not only their exceptional contributions to our work, but also the broader impact these contributions have made on those we serve. Sandy’s innovative approaches in digital health are dismantling barriers and making resources more accessible. Ben’s leadership in driving our funding forward has enabled us to expand our reach, ensuring that more individuals are seen, heard, and supported in their journeys towards wellbeing.
“By sharing my personal journey living with autism, I hope to continue raising awareness, enhancing understanding, and humanizing the narratives around autism and other forms of neurodiversity.” April is Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month. Danielle, a firsthand Guide (peer supporter) in Orlando, FL, shares her experience on the firsthand blog.
“It’s only up from here” When firsthand first got in touch with Sean, he was living in his van, recovering from two major back surgeries. Having supportive people in his corner has made all the difference. Sean has since earned his diploma and enrolled in college, and even moved into his own apartment! We can’t wait to see what he accomplishes next.
