And where do you work???

I really have a fun time trying to explain to people where I work. I used to take for granted that when I said MHMR people would automatically know what I was talking about. But that's hardly the case! Few people, unless they're in the medical or mental health profession, know what MHMR is. So, when I am asked what it is, I say, "Mental Health Mental Retardation." Still, a blank stare. Usually, at that point, I try to explain that it's a state agency, it serves people with mental retardation and mental illness, etc. Now trying to explain what I do in my position is another challenge. So, I just say that I'm basically really really important. Of course :)

Although MHMR is not known to everyone, I knew about its existence for many years, mainly because of Psychology classes. I was nervous about working there. After all, they serve a challenging demographic - people with a mental illness, mental retardation, or both - and often lacking resources. But, despite my fears, I have to say that I really really like my job!! It's great! It is serving as confirmation to me that I am most definitely cut out for work in the mental health field. I love visiting client's homes: nice homes, homes that are about to collapse, big homes, small homes, homes in the projects, dirty homes, crowded homes, clean homes. I get to see such diversity! I also enjoy visiting schools and prisons and mental health hospitals and doctor's offices. My job is NEVER boring! Whether a crisis or a "situation," a staff meeting or a client visit, every encounter brings the opportunity to learn something I had never known before and provides a great story (usually several) to tell later! The true blessing of being employed at MHMR is working with co-workers who feel the same way I do about our clients: that they are people just like us, that they deserve to have the same rights and respect as anyone else, and that despite the difficulty of some of their situations and disabilities, they are never beyond the reach of someone's help. Working at MHMR often involves serving populations that the rest of society has given up on - or doesn't know what to do with. It's an extremely rewarding job. I am proud to work at a place that reaches out to so many, that if not helped by MHMR, would otherwise not have a chance at a normal life. And thank you God for leading me to this job! :)