Ricketls Georges

I was born in Haiti and came to the United States four years ago to go to college. I was just 19.

I started school in Florida, but I was not feeling well. I quit my classes and my parents became alarmed. I was hospitalized a couple of time, and after much denial, realized that I had a mental illness.

My father and I decided to move to New York. I would continue my studies there. But I was not feeling well when I came to the city. A week later, I was hospitalized. Through a counselor at the Hospital, I was referred to Fountain House.

I was given a tour, but I was still feeling so sick that I didn’t get anything out of it. In orientation they asked me what unit I’d like to be in. They told me about Research, and how they use computers there. I was interested in computers, and that’s the unit I chose.

I am now back on track pursuing my education.

Here at Fountain House I can talk about going back to school, and the people here are helping me a lot. With the help of the Education Unit, and a tutor there, member Susan Omanksy, I passed my GED. Now, I attend LaGuardia Community College and work independently.

In 2000, I began taking a medicine to help control the symptoms of my schizophrenia. I had a lot of confused thoughts and paranoia and depression. The medication has changed my life. The confused thoughts are all gone. I can concentrate on my schoolwork again. I’m back to exercising, which I enjoy a lot.

I am very involved in the youth project here. I lead the youth meeting here in the Snack Bar every Friday at 4 o’clock. Friday evenings are an opportunity for people who have something in common, which is a mental illness, to get together and support each other. We find out how everyone is doing. Then we talk about an activity that we would like to do together. Each week up to 20 of us get together.

When I first came to Fountain House, I couldn’t do anything by myself. I needed help. I have realized that the people at the clubhouse give people with mental illness help in many ways. They will go with members to the Social Security Office, so they can get their benefits. The food here is very good and it’s cheap.

When people at other agencies hear that you are at Fountain House, they consider you a privileged person. Someone asked me what I would say to a young person like me thinking of coming to Fountain House. I would say, “Yes! Yes! Come!" You feel it is everyone’s goal here to help you succeed in life.