Jonathan

Hello Hopewell Family,

Truly it is an honor to be able to share with you how much Hopewell Therapeutic Farm Community has advanced my life.

First, it is imperative for me to state how blessed I am to have a loving family. Without their support, I likely would never have been able to experience Hopewell.

Today, I understand that I suffer from a cooccurring condition, a mental illness and a substance use disorder. In my early twenties, I observed that when I indulged in substances, I began to experience psychotic symptoms, in the form of hallucinations and delusions. Thankfully, by divine providence, I was led to a recovery program that provided me with the tools to maintain sobriety one day at a time. Since December 14th of 2003, I have been sober from all drugs and alcohol. However, what I have learned is that substance use is just a symptom of a deeper problem.

About eight years ago, I had a significant psychotic episode that convinced me that I had supernatural abilities. I thought I could hear voices through wiretaps and neurologically connect with social networks on the internet. Later, I formed a delusion that my loving father had mob ties and was planning to murder me. Thankfully, I was hospitalized and presented with the opportunity to receive further treatment at Hopewell.

When I arrived at Hopewell, I was instantly struck by how kindhearted and compassionate everyone was. From the kitchen staff to the psychiatrist, everyone was on the same page, all invested in helping me to get better. Down on the farm, I made friends with other residents. We bonded together over chess games and guitar sessions. We took long hikes in the beautiful woods, gathered in prayer to enhance our spirituality, and competed in pick-up basketball games. For me, it was like I got a second chance to go to college, this time to learn about my mind and how I might overcome my diagnosis.

During mornings, we were able to participate in different work crews. I generally chose farm crew. It seemed like a no brainer because we got to be with the animals while also listening to the best classic rock. Upon one instance, Hopewell staff members gathered with their guitars to perform “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC while I was eating my morning oatmeal. It was electrifying to say the least!

Hearing one of the horse’s thunderous gallops on the grounds also impressed me. Though I was intimidated, a resident taught me how to lead a horse around the property. Later in the season, we all collaborated to make maple syrup and pick apples off the trees for fresh cider. These experiences with nature allowed me a healthy reprieve from my arduous life back in the city.

Having an inclination for the arts, I engaged in both art and music therapy. I painted pictures for other residents and learned rock ‘n roll chords in our Musical Journey group. Both the psychiatrist and clinicians were impeccable with their care. In groups, we practiced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and ecotherapy. Hopewell’s psychiatrist helped me to discover a group of medicines that renewed my sense of self.

While at Hopewell, I saw a job posting at Catholic Charities expressing their interest in hiring an individual who experienced a mental health or substance use disorder. I was struck because I thought for the first time in my life, I was overqualified for a job! Since 2018, I have been mentoring individuals affected by their first episode of psychosis as a Certified Peer Support Specialist. A year later I was brought on as a consultant at Northeast Ohio Medical University, where I conduct advocacy work and collaborate with other mental health treatment teams throughout Ohio.

In 2022, the Greater Cleveland National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) awarded me with the Scott Adamson Memorial Peer Award, which is bestowed upon an individual who has mental illness and is also invested in helping others with mental illness. Last summer, I was privileged to come back to Hopewell, albeit this time as a guest, through their visiting artist program. Staff, residents, and I worked together to create original earthworks, abstractions, and en plen air landscape paintings.

After about a year away from the farm, my support group encouraged me to start dating again. I was reluctant to do this because I still felt like damaged goods. Eventually, through their encouragement, I persevered and met my beautiful wife, Sherry. When she heard that I had never attended my high school prom, she orchestrated one for me. She arranged for a limousine to transport me to a ballroom where a DJ, photographer, and my favorite meal awaited. I was endeared and it didn’t take me much longer to decide to propose! Just a couple of months ago we celebrated our first wedding anniversary and bought a home together.

In my work, I often encounter individuals that I wish could experience Hopewell’s miraculous, healing power. It’s a touchstone I will always hold in my heart and paramount asset for our community. Your investment in this vital resource means a tremendous amount to me, my family, and all of us working together to advance the care of those affected by serious mental illness.

back to success stories