With the Right Support, Joseph Is Finding His Way Forward

Growing up, Joseph dreamed of serving in the U.S. Coast Guard. He enrolled at Maritime College in New York, majoring in International Transportation and Trade and was well on his way to achieving that goal. By his sophomore year, he had become the football team’s standout quarterback, leading the Privateers to an undefeated season and an Eastern Collegiate Football Conference Championship.

Everything changed during his junior year. As a First Class Cadet, Joseph began experiencing depression that steadily drained his motivation and focus. He stopped attending classes and spent most days isolated in his dorm room. Eventually, the weight of his symptoms forced him to withdraw from school.

Needing to Make a New Plan

After leaving college, Joseph joined the workforce as a carpenter in a local union. But new challenges emerged. He began experiencing hallucinations and delusions, including hearing voices. “Sometimes, I thought God was talking to me,” he said. One night, the voices made him feel unsafe, leading to a serious altercation with a roommate. Following the incident, Joseph was diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia is a serious behavioral health condition that typically develops in young adulthood. Individuals living with it often require lifelong treatment, which may include medication, therapy and ongoing support.

Because of his symptoms, Joseph was hospitalized several times. Following his 2021 release at age 28, he connected with Catholic Charities, where he found the stability and support he needed. For the past five years, he has lived in a group home operated by the Integrated Behavioral Health Services (IBHS) team. He shares a residence in Willingboro with five other men who have similar diagnoses. Residential counselors are on hand to support residents with whatever they need.

Joseph also participates in group therapy through the Partial Care Program in Westampton. “They teach things like coping strategies. Right now, they are helping me get over my anxiety,” he said. Catholic Charities launched its Partial Care program in 1972 to provide psychiatric rehabilitation services to individuals with complex behavioral health needs.

Joseph enjoys his role with the Community Services team in Burlington County. Several days a week, he’s on the road picking up and delivering food donations.

Moving Forward and Helping Others

Since moving into the group home and receiving services through IBHS, Joseph says he feels like he’s on a better path. “I am on the right medications now and not hearing voices anymore,” he shared. “My counselors are great!”

Recently, Joseph accepted a position with our Community Services team. He works in the Burlington food pantry and drives the delivery truck, stocking shelves, picking up donations and helping people transition into their new homes. “I like having a job where I get to help people,” he said. “It makes me happy.”

Taharqa Ramses, director of Burlington Community Services, is grateful to have Joseph on the team. “He is a hard worker and you can tell he’s committed to making a positive difference in the lives of others.”

For information on programs that support individuals with significant behavioral health diagnoses, call 800–360–7711.

ADDITIONAL STORIES OF INSPIRATION

MEET EUGENE

Catholic Charities’ Residential Services program helped Euguene find a place to call home for 16 years.
Read More

MEET LUCE

Catholic Charities’ Integrated Behavioral Health Services helped Luce manage her mental health and process trauma she had encountered in her past.
Read More

MEET DEONTAY

Project Free helped Deontay in his recovery from substance use and set goals for his future.
Read More