In My Own Words

Hello, my name is Mark Schumann, I became a client in December of 2011 and am still an active member.

I first heard of PDG 6 years ago from a client who was a client since the early 90’s. She kept insisting that the program was ideal for me. She was well aware of my Psychiatric, physical, and alcohol abuse issues. I have been in numerous Psychiatric hospitals and treatment programs for alcohol abuse. I kept insisting that I was receiving the best possible care at Health Care for the Homeless in Baltimore. The team that works with me includes a Somatic Doctor, a Psychiatrist, and a therapist/caseworker. My therapist and I were talking about my continued struggles and came to the conclusion that an additional layer of protection wouldn’t hurt at this point.

After an episode where I locked myself in my house during a particularly bad depressive episode, I’d had enough, I called PDG and scheduled an intake interview. A pleasant woman came to my apartment and worked up my history, needs and pretty much my life story. I used to have nothing but shame about my life and didn’t talk about it.

I got over that when I started my website and began getting heavily involved in public speaking. I have spoke at the senate, the House of Delegates, every major college in Baltimore, Schools ranging from second graders to post graduate law, medical, and social schools. I learn from staff and clients at PDG different; usually better and sometimes worse ways of interaction and communication with my fellow humans.

I began attending the program which entailed going to 2 groups a week at the Glen Burnie office and one home visit a week from Naomi. The groups are very valuable; they increased my socialization while teaching more coping skills. I have good coping skills anyway but am still honing them. I learn something about more about people every day and have quit isolating. I open the curtains and at least let the world into my house. People notice a change in me, a feeling of belonging and being able to share our stories is a very important part of recovery and/ or stabilization.

I was invited to go on an all expense paid trip to speak to a group over the coming weekend in Pennsylvania. I am also going to Washington DC later on in the month as a member on a panel at the National Health Care for the Homeless National Conference. I know that I will be getting assistance from the groups. Usually they like to help each other. That’s my shortened look at my experience at PDG.