Janna and Michael Roberts

Janna Roberts and her son Michael are consumers at Atlantic CIL. After Michael experienced a head trauma he was later diagnosed with paranoia and schizoaffective disorder. The combination of these conditions became an obstacle to his independence. He is now living independently in his own apartment.
When Michael was newly diagnosed, navigating his disability was difficult and led to experiencing job loss, incarceration, and homelessness. Michael's life was turned upside down. Janna has been her son's number-one advocate. She was referred to Atlantic CIL during a time when she was working on getting Michael into housing and is working with Independent Living Specialist, Dawn Padick. "It has been a journey," Janna explained. They didn't know anything about mental health so finding support and adjusting medications was a process. "You have to find the right person to advocate for you. I feel I have a connection with Dawn and she has the knowledge to help me." Waiting for Michael's apartment to be ready took longer than expected. Having support during that time meant the world to Janna. When the day finally came for Michael to move in, it was exciting and a relief, however, furnishing the apartment was the next hurdle. Atlantic CIL was able to assist in making sure Michael had a bed to sleep in. This was important to maintain his independence and well-being. "Donald and Dawn really came through for us," Janna believes every day is a blessing and continues to pray and advocate for Michael to continue to make progress.

Additionally, Janna uses what she's learned advocating for her son to help others for Atlantic Cape Family Support Organization. "I don't want anyone to have to go through what I've been through, I take my job seriously, helping others is therapeutic for me."