"As a volunteer painting instructor for the past 3 and 1/2 years, I know PLAN to be a deeply caring, supportive community. There is continuous opportunity for members to grow and learn. In painting class, I have had the privilege of watching the artists express their creativity, work diligently, develop their painting techniques and have fun in the process. Their incredible work was proudly displayed at our first PLAN art show which was held at the Continental Lofts Gallery. It was a wonderful event enjoyed by all and more than 30 pieces of art were sold in three hours."
Martha Gipson Durbin
May 2009
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"We would be remiss if we failed to acknowledge how we were taken care when we showed up at the PLAN office with the problems we were having with our son. We were greeted with the good news. The news from PLAN was that we did indeed have an A to Z plan.
Thank heaven that PLAN was there and they were ready, willing and able to go the extra mile to see that we were provided with the professional timely service we would require WHEN WE SHOWED UP.
In a very short period of time they gathered the information, developed a picture of our situation and were recommending some solutions. We were introduced to a care manager and presented with some money management techniques.
We were provided with information on a housing option and could see our son in this environment which was very near to PLAN office and activities. And we welcomed the fact that he would be able to participate in all the activities that he has an interest."
We want to express our gratitude and thanks for starting to take our son on a healthier schedule.
Blessings, PLAN, from a more stable family."
Gerald and Sybil Souders
May 2009
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"After talking with Bob Ploger last week I started thinking about PLAN and all it has meant to us since we joined the organization in 2002. We have never been "joiners" and it never occurred to us to look outside our family for support. PLAN has altered our thinking completely on that.
Mark was diagnosed with Autism when he was five and this accelerated to Schizophrenia when he was seventeen. When he was young we worked through Loyola University Child Guidance Clinic. We didn't know much back in 1961 so mainly treated symptoms and used behavior modification. Mark didn't start on medications until he was seventeen and then it was a struggle to find the right ones. In August of 2002 Mark had a severe reaction to Clozaril and was hospitalized. After he recovered we knew he needed a change in Doctors and one of his therapists had been mentioning PLAN so we thought we'd try that also and so we did.
Mark signed up for a few activities and after a few weeks I asked him what he liked best about it and he said it was such a relief to talk about his medication and have somebody understand. He also said it was nice to have someone to do things with. His favorite was Walking Club. He also helped out with Tai Chi.
One of the big things missing in the lives of the mentally ill is a social life. It can be very lonely. Being able to talk about themselves and their medications with someone who understands is a wonderful thing. Being around people who understand their illness and support them goes a long way towards building confidence. Mark has enjoyed many activities at Iris Place and with all the PLAN people. He has been in his own apartment since last August and is very comfortable there. Marks independence has been good for us also. We can concentrate more on ourselves and our lives knowing that Mark is gaining in confidence in his abilities."
Jack & Therese & all the Henry Clan
June 2006
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"Three years ago my son was very sick. He had been hospitalized repeatedly and was not taking his medication on a regular basis. After yet another lengthy-hospitalization, we were forced to place him in an assisted living center where his meals were served and his medications administered on a regular basis. This was an arrangement of last resort because it was far from the closest town and there were no activities, no counseling or therapy of any type, no diversions except TV and an hourly cigarette break. As he slowly recovered I began to search for an alternative living arrangement.
He wanted and needed to live where he could socialize with others and once again enjoy the freedom of being able to take a walk, go to a store, or even go to a restaurant for a meal out. I was worried. In the past when he had lived on his own he didn't take his medication and made poor decisions which usually resulted in a merry-go-round of relapse and hospitalizations. Moving back home with his father and me could be a short term solution, but we knew it couldn't be a permanent arrangement. We had recently moved to a rural area too far removed from the social activities and public transportation that my son needed He didn't like the isolation and without a car or bus service he had to depend upon us to provide all of his transportation needs. I was searching every day for a solution, getting more desperate as the weeks went by.
Then someone asked me if I had heard about PLAN. I had not, but I quickly made an appointment to speak with Patty Anderson, the Executive Director. PLAN sure seemed like a solution to our problem. But I was worried. Was my son really well enough to live in an apartment on his own? Would he take his medications? Would he make friends? Would he remain drug and alcohol free? Would he be OK?
The answer to all of the questions was Yes! He moved into his apartment and began to participate in activities at Iris Place. During the first year his PLAN social worker met with him three times a week to provide therapy and support. We watched in amazement as he continued to improve in many ways that we never thought possible. His anger has dissipated. He can take "no" for an answer. He is more patient with family and friends. He drives a car again and is doing so well that he sees his social worker every other week now. Most importantly, he takes his medications on a regular basis and has not been hospitalized since he became a PLAN consumer. In many ways PLAN has been instrumental in helping all of us get our lives back. Our son is happy and doing well and my husband and I are less stressed and no longer worry about him day and night. We are all sleeping better at night thanks to PLAN and the help we have received."
Linda Monaco
July 2006
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"Our son Victor, age 42, has been a residence of Iris Place since July of 2001. His stability and general welfare have improved greatly since that time. Victor's life is fuller and more meaningful because of the many relationships he has developed with members, staff and volunteers at PLAN.
Perhaps the most significant change has been in his social life. Iris Place provides a safe, pleasant venue for interaction with other adults. Most of Victor's close friends are people who are active in PLAN.
Victor carries responsibilities for the Walking Club, which meets twice weekly. He also enjoys the Life Stories and Lava Java meetings and the birthday parties.
Victor joins us in expressing appreciation for PLAN of North Texas and its many benefits."
William and Pacheco Pyle
July 2006
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