Jessica’s Story

“I was sent to the state hospital when I was 10, because I had a lot of behavior and mental health problems.” said Jessica. She moved between foster care, detention centers, hospitals and mental health programs for over 10 years. Jessica acted on impulse and didn’t have any patience when in a crowd, waiting for an appointment or with people. “I got angry fast and took it out by hitting people”. As an adult, she was in the work house and in jail for assaulting a police officer five years ago.  When she left jail, she was homeless and her mental illness symptoms became worse. She was placed under a court commitment at Hennepin County Medical Center and discharged to yet another adult foster care program.

Jessica was referred to Touchstone’s Housing Innovation Program which helped her find an apartment. “I was so excited to be on my own and have my first apartment,” she said. “Touchstone staff are teaching me how to manage my stress and anger. They are walking me through all the things I never learned growing up. I am learning to be patient when its noisy, in a doctor’s waiting room, with others and myself,” said Jessica. “I still have rough days, but I’m doing better, I’m proud I have better control of my emotions and I’ve lived in my apartment for 4 years”.