This time of year, people wear masks to become something/someone else for fun, but for FPHCR guests, the masks they wear are anything but. A guest may come off as snippy, reserved, overly talkative, aggressive, or appear to be hiding.

Over the years FPHCR has seen all the above and more, but at the end of the day, our guests are in crisis mode and may only know one way to handle that feeling. We have seen guests in some of their darkest moments, but they are completely different people when they graduate into housing.

Even years after guests have graduated from the program, it is incredible to see another layer of the mask they wore for so long come off. Someone may be hard to see or handle at the time, but when the mask comes off, you will see who they were hiding, you will see the real them. 

A few years ago, FPHCR had a challenging family. The family didn't do anything wrong, but the mental health challenges of the mom were concerning, something we had not encountered before.

Some days Mom would be angry and would yell at others nonstop. Some days she would be kind and soft-spoken. Every day would be a new behavior. We never knew what to expect.

While they were with us, Mom received mental health counseling and support from staff she didn’t know she needed. After the family moved out, Mom kept in touch with updates and questions about life.

Recently she sent an email about how her life has changed, and she couldn’t thank FPHCR enough for supporting her and “putting up” with her while she was here.

She apologized for her behavior toward staff, volunteers, and the other families who were in the program with her. 

Mom, kiddo, and French Toast (new kitty) are thriving, active with mental health services, and most importantly: stable. It took time for the mask to finally fall, but we couldn’t be prouder of this mom for taking the steps needed for her mental health and for her family.

On Monday, 11/18, the Rotary Club of the West Shore and the Passport Club of Central PA are sponsoring a free showing of the award-winning movie “The Invisible Class." It explores what it means to be homeless in the US, challenging stereotypes & examining the systemic causes of mass homelessness in the wealthiest nation in the world.

Following the movie, there will be a panel discussion with local service providers. The event will be held at the West Shore Theater. Join us for some free popcorn and a drink! 

Okay, so we couldn't come up with a good name for this one that matched the theme, but we still wanted to make sure you didn't miss this report. Click here or on the button below to see it all.

Sent by Family Promise of Harrisburg Capital Region

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