Easter Seals Greater Houston has done a wide variety of things for me. I am grateful for everything you all have done. Before meeting with ESGH, I had done very little to connect to the Veterans community and the Veterans services that I am able to access because of my time in the Army.
It has been a combination of effort from my mental health therapist, Amy Harkins, Jennifer Wright from the Service Dog Program and a few others who have helped me get tickets to concerts and other events. I had an amazing time at the VetsAid concert. I loved going to the Zoo for Walk With Me and I look forward to going again this year. I even got connected to Give Vets a Smile at UT Dental and got some much-needed work done. I plan to follow up with THRIVE (Easter Seals Financial Education Program) to keep working on my financial situation with Jenny Martinez. I am thankful to be connected to the Veteran Food Pantry. I tend to isolate so these activities mean the world to me.
I have the sense that there are puppet masters in the background at ESGH that are helping me out in ways that I don’t even really know about. I have appreciated everything Jennifer Wright has done to keep the process going to get a service dog. I do worry about some of the details of getting a service dog, but overall, I am very hopeful that having a service dog will help me explore and enjoy life to the fullest. Having a dog will allow me to do things that I don’t do now. A dog will open a door that I keep closed. And a Service Dog will be a much-needed friend. Jennifer has not given up on helping me get a service dog and I am so grateful that she has been persistent, on track, and motivated. If she had given up, I would have given up a long time ago.
I know that talking (via Telehealth) to my therapist Amy has really helped me do things that I would not have done otherwise. Talking has helped me to think about what I want to do. I want to explore and see things in Houston. Actually, one of the most helpful things we have done is meet in person. It was a very big step for me to start using Metro Lift so that I can meet in person. Getting familiar with Metro Lift has opened up many opportunities for me. Still, it is helpful that I can meet with my therapist by video when something gets off track. Having you all in my corner has been my saving grace.
Sincerely,
James Kittrell
Army Veteran