Having worked most of my life either for non-profits or as a freelance writer, I arrived at retirement age without any pension and hardly any savings. To supplement my social security checks, I have been working for a mental health agency as a counselor for people with schitzophrenia who are living in group homes. When I started doing this, I did not think I would laast, but it turned out that I enjoy my work and have been doing it now for almost 8 years.

Many of the people in these homes had spent most of their previous lives institutionalized. It was thought that they might be better off living in these homes in a community and that if given some guidance to shop for groceries, make their own meals and learn the rudiments of running a household, they might get to a point where they can get a job, rent their own appartment and live normal lives. I have seen a few of them do just this. I read that over 40% of people with mental illness can live normal lives.

One of my present clients is capable of this, but the last thing he would want to be would be "normal." Unfortunatley, I cannot write much about him due to rules about "confidentiality." However, I may from time to time refer to his progress without mentining his name or where he lives. At this point I can say he is a very intelligent and creative personality. I think you will find him interesting.