My internship was at Cass Community Social Services (CCSS) an agency that provides shelter and resources to various individuals that have been affected by homelessness. This agency has several shelters that accommodates specific populations. I was placed at the shelter that serves male veterans who have been diagnosed with a mental illness. Clients seeking services have been referred through Veterans Hospital. The program offers structure, stability and resources that are needed for individuals that are plagued by homelessness, substance abuse and health issues. The program offered room & board, group therapy, medication reminders, transportation, community events and resources for government subsidies. Given an opportunity to participate in this program, gives an individual to regain self-sufficiency again. Although this is a unique program, it is often met with resistance because of the program’s structure. Due to the intensity of the program, a lot Veterans can…show more content… Not only is there a need for psychiatric, but physical and substance abuse (Wenzel, 1995, p. 1135). Mr. Fonts had been affected by these three factors because he had a diagnosis of Hepatitis C and needed medical treatment. When he became ill, he would then seek treatment for his illness and this behavior was common among veterans. Homeless veterans “nested ecological structures” have recursive influences on each other and this can be in comparison with their social demographics, personal, social support, combat and substance abuse. Research has shown that substance abuse and psychiatric disorders among combat veterans maybe influenced by family-of-origin members (Brenda, 2002, p. 6). Along with these barriers, there are other factors such as resilience, self-esteem, ego identity, life satisfaction. Veterans may feel that they are unable to overcome barriers and adversities they are faced
