Milestone Manor, a RISE community residence, provides supportive services to adults with severe mental health diagnoses in a safe, supportive, home-like environment.
Milestone Manor employs a trauma-informed approach to residential care, assisting individuals in establishing physical and psychological safety to thrive both in the residence and in the greater community. Milestone Manor counselors are equipped with evidence-based practices to meet residents where they are at in their healing process, at the time they enter the program.
Bryant’s (name changed to protect privacy) story exemplifies the success of this model. When he first came to Milestone Manor, Bryant could not communicate with the staff or his peers. His mental health struggles caused him to be extremely guarded and sometimes hostile towards others. His symptoms had stripped him of his ability to take care of his basic needs including personal hygiene and preparing food.
The Milestone Manor team used modeling, relationship building, and therapeutic tools to connect with Bryant. Over a period of several months, the staff established trust with Bryant with simple, kind gestures like making eye contact, saying good morning, or offering to help make him food. Bryant slowly began to develop a sense of safety and trust with the staff.
Once trust was established, staff encouraged Bryant to engage in the in-house programming including establishing monthly service plans, one-on-one daily check-ins with counselors, community dinners, daily living skills training, weekly recreational activities; as well as in-house self-help groups that focus on planning ahead, body-based healing, raising awareness, nutritional guidance and meal planning, and shifts in behaviors and thinking.
Today, Bryant is a role model for his peers and his sense of humor shines when interacting with others. He consistently engages with staff and exceeds program expectations. He is currently working on goals that will allow him to transition to a more independent apartment setting within the community.