Success Story

Below are a few CSPNJ success stories that were submitted by CSPNJ Supportive Services staff and service recipients. Remember: There are no failures, only successes that have not happened yet. 


“CSP is an amazing place. I’ve been in Supported Housing for about eight years. I was the worst person you can imagine. I lived on the street and would survive literally any way I could. After moving into CSP housing, I was always looking for the catch. Finally, last year my worker talked me into going for Illness Management & Recovery sessions where I learned about recovery. Now, I can say I am working on my recovery and am employed in a part time job”.

- Martin


“Homeless or sometimes living in the Mission, and abusing drugs and alcohol, I came to CSP and obtained housing. Since joining CSP, I have remained clean and sober for 15 months, attend meetings regularly, volunteer, and am planning to get my GED.”

- Tarsha


She was a young, soft spoken woman who had been in a supervised residence the majority of her life. She is now living in independent housing with supports. In a short time became employed part time, is talking enthusiastically about her recovery and finding her new identity. Her goal now is reuniting with family and making new friends.

- Heather


“Before working at CSP, I never felt accepted by others because of my mental illness. I felt that if anyone knew that I had a mental illness, I would be treated differently. Now that I work at CSP, I feel very accepted and do not live in fear of being found out that I am mentally ill.” 

- Cathy


“Hi, I am Vinnie, a 41 years old former client and resident of CSP. I was homeless in the past, but in the back of my mind, always wanted to do better and work. Today, I am working full time and looking for my own place. I have a future now and a positive outlook on life each day.”

- Vinnie 


Before Alison moved into independent living, she states that she had not experienced the true freedom of choice. Although her initial response to independent living was filled with fear and anxiety, Alison allowed herself the chance to succeed through believing in herself. Living independently has provided Alison with a new self-defined identity, one that includes part-time employment, re-establishment of familial bonds, formation of new relationships, and ultimately the freedom to live a fulfilling life. Alison’s new outlook on life includes a continuing exploration of her recovery and the strengths she possesses.

- James


“About 10 years ago, I was hospitalized several times due to wanting to hurt myself. During that time I moved over 7 times and was homeless with a young child. I was hired at CSP about a year ago and since then have moved into my own home. I feel very accepted and can provide hope for the people I work with.”

- Anonymous


Earnest has been receiving CSP services for 10 years. During this time, he had a six year Service Plan goal of getting his driver’s license. After 7 unsuccessful attempts, the team continued to assist him to obtain his license. Ernest demonstrated resilience and took the drivers’ test for the 8th time and passed. He is now driving in the state of New Jersey at the age of 50. 

- Lance


“I was filled with dark and loneliness, no hope for a productive future or friends and family to share it with. Now I am a full time CSP employee for five years, married and happily involved in my community.” 

- Heather


“I have been in and out of hospitals most of my life. I was evicted three times mostly for giving my landlords a very hard time. I was angry and everyone knew it. I gave everyone a hard time about everything. I still get in my moods but am learning to cool it. I have to. I can’t stand the thought of loosing my stuff again. (CSP) is standing by me through thick and thin. I started work part time yesterday. I guess I really am doing better.”

- Gary


“My life consisted of hiding in the boarding home room and tricking for cigarettes. I’ve lived in about a half dozen or so boarding home in my life. I usually went to a new one after coming out of the hospital. The social worker told me about CSP and helped me fill out an application. (After I moved in) it took me a year before I stopped living out of my bags. I think I’m doing ok. I started school but had to drop my courses. I’m already registered for next semester and I think I can do it this time.” 

- Rose

Jason was roaming the streets disheveled and dirty. He had lost a person very dear to him, was in extreme debt and attempted suicide. He reached out for help and stumbled across a CSP housing application. Today, he maintains a full time job at a school cafeteria and is looking for a second job in order to pay off his debt as soon as possible. He feels that he has a purpose in life now and is extremely grateful for all he has accomplished. 

- OM

“I came to live in CSPNJ supportive housing about seven years ago. I had no real skill and had no direction to my life except for drugs and alcohol I guess. I attended a conference several years ago and discovered recovery. Now, I am employed full time and am working on starting my own business. ………..and life is good.”

- Jese

When Larry came into the CSP program he was actively drinking heavily. He was living with his sister and use to get into physical fights and arguments. As a result he was constantly getting into difficulties with the police which usually resulted in a hospitalization. After some time in Greystone Psychiatric Hospital, he became involved with CSPNJ. Today, Larry is working and has two part time jobs. He is living with his daughter and granddaughter and also saving money to attend school to major in HVAC. His car is back on the road and is providing his own transportation where he needs to go. He is thrilled because he feels his life is back on track.

- Paulette 

“I was panhandling, using drugs, not paying my rent and ignoring my diabetic treatment. I didn’t care about much. Now, I am paying my rent monthly regularly. I am taking classes in school and am volunteering at the Self Help Center!”

- Anonyms

“3 years ago I moved into CSP housing from transitional housing. My life has never been the same. I got married and am the father of a 1 ½ month old beautiful baby boy. Thanks CSPNJ for supporting me.” 

- Paul

“I entered (CSP) housing with about three months of sobriety after over 20 years alcohol/drug use. I have been drug and alcohol free for over a year now.”

- Libby

Bob was a heavy drug user who was always in trouble with the law. This year, Bob has one year sobriety, went to school and earned his nursing Aid license. He currently works at a nursing home and is doing great. 

- Sandra 

He has been in the CSP housing program for three years. He did not always accept support from staff. Last summer he stopped taking his medications, became very abusive and isolated. His neighbors began making complaints to the realtor that manages the apartment complex where he resides. He was becoming extremely abusive and other tenants felt threatened. He was hospitalized several times and was transferred to Greystone. He was at risk of losing his everything. After this last discharge, he accepted help, followed up with his medication regimen and started to work again. Recently the realtor called to say how great he is doing. He has improved. Other building tenants no longer feel threatened by him and he is becoming part of his community. He will now be able to sign a longer lease. The changes he made in his life have positively affected all those around him and good things are starting to happen for him.

- Tom

When Stacy entered the program she isolated herself and did not participate in any recreational activities. She was also in an abusive relationship for over 50 years and never left her house. Now, after so many years, she felt supported enough to move out away from her boyfriend and into her own apartment. She has begun taking care of herself. She now has just finished getting a Gardening and Landscaping certificate and has moved onto taking a “teacher’s aid” certification course. She hopes to get a job in the school system afterward. In the meantime Stacy dog- sit’s her neighbor’s dogs for extra money and has been participating in recreational activities more. 

-Donna 

“Joe came to CSP from a supervised residential program. Joe lived many years in supportive housing with CSPNJ. He was frequently getting into trouble with neighbors and the police as a result of his use of crack/cocaine. Joe had many arrests and court hearings over the years and spent time in jail for his behaviors. During the last year and a half, Joe worked hard to remain clean. His number one goal in life is to remain clean. He has consistently attended his MICA program where he has established healthy relationships. Joe is now aware and thrilled that he is living his life well without drugs, alcohol and unhealthy people.”

- Rodger


** Names have been changed where the submitter did not explicitly give permission to use their