Meet Charlie, a man on the move.
Charlie, who just turned 41, has been active in Humanim’s EBSE (Evidenced Based Supported Employment) program since 2011. The EBSE program supports individuals with a mental health diagnosis to achieve and maintain steady employment in mainstream competitive jobs, both part- and full-time
Charlie currently receives job support to be able to maintain his role as a front-of-store attendant at Weis Market where he’s worked since October 2022. At Weis, Charlie is responsible for cleaning the windows and the bathrooms and collecting and putting away the shopping carts. He enjoys the opportunity the job provides him to be outside.
With the help of EBSE, Charlie has been able to set goals and consistently make progress towards them.
When Charlie first began working with EBSE, his goal was to have his own apartment and his own dog while maintaining a part-time job. Charlie has achieved these goals, and is proud to be living independently in his own apartment in Elkridge, along with his dog, a Shih Tzu named Lassie! His favorite thing about living on his own is, “doing whatever I want to do, whenever I want.”
Charlie’s next goal is to learn how to drive, and he’s saving to buy a Jeep. He also hopes one day to live in a house with a yard.
Charlie is thankful for the help he receives from EBSE, particularly from his counselor, who helps with any work issues or paperwork. According to his counselor, Charlie receives nothing but “glowing reviews” from his boss!
During his time off, Charlie enjoys relaxing, taking his dog for walks, visiting local holiday festivals and spending time drawing with colored pencils. He also enjoys listening to classic rock like the Rolling Stones, a taste he inherited from his parents, who live nearby. He visits his parents and twin brother most weekends.
EBSE currently serves 141 individuals in three programs–EBSE Howard, EBSE Anne Arundel and short-term DORS (Department of Rehabilitation Services). EBSE is focused on helping individuals who face barriers to working due to a mental health diagnosis, providing whatever is needed to help them gain and maintain employment. The program works closely with other behavioral health programs as well as individual providers to ensure vocational and mental health needs are being addressed.