Sadly, I just Returned from the SHARE Program in Atlanta Georgia which I was recommend to via Emory Hospital in Atlanta via WWP. This is supposed be premier Program Issue TBI Related Issues- Balance, Vision, Memory, Cognition Blanace Etc.. and in fact has "some" wonderful staff members! However, sadly I was a "bolo" at this station, but perhaps others might have some luck.....
This was my very brief experience.....(results might not be replicated by others who try to attend!)
This program was designed for veterans with very good and noble intentions! I believe, however it, has in fact strayed from the path its creator/sponsor envisioned! As a non-profit, and privately funded, if I were funding it I would simply like to know were in fact every dime was spent and was it in fact spent wisely and all things budgeted for, such as Program, Facility...etc routine maintenance and upkeep. As stated, I was at SHARE very briefly, and as a Combat Vet with numerous issues I was very sadly disappointed and in total agreement with Program Director- we agreed to totally and radically disagree- decided to depart exceedingly early after they almost sent me to emergency room or worse, due to highly "adverse" chemical reaction's to something a former VA employee was wearing, as well as cleaning products utilized in this same former VA employee's Area of Responsibility- the "guest" apartments at "Biscayne!"
Normally, and I offered, to let by-gone's be by-gone's, even thought I personally take being harmed or worse, either though negligence, ignorance, or deliberate, very personally, and infact tend to get very upset and mean- as I think any Combat Survivor should!!! Well, the only real MH Professional I saw my 5-days there was in fact a Social Worker, which a degree in SW takes approximately 18-months versus the 5(+) years of training of a Liscensed psychologist. Well even though I was in fact cordial to staff but had very limited and heated conversation with Program Director, they simply had said SW check on me very routinely- as if to portray me as either violet or psychotic or worse! So, sometimes it is simply best to depart an area were the cards are simply stacked against one, and staff do not like being called out on their numerous faults in leadership and stewardship, of their sponsors money and resources!! Furthermore, the "Program" Director could not tell me if they in fact had a "staff" grooming standard- that specified hypo-allergenic skin and clothing products for work, nor could they even tell me if cleaning products were in fact Echo Friendly or hypo-allergenic (sent Staff and whole host others pictures of these products)????? Odd....Furthermore the staff neurologist claimed no one else could smell anything on said employee when, do various reasons my own sense of smell is hindered from 10-feet away!!!!!! I will not attach photos' of these products...as if anyone who reads this associated with sponsorship of this program only has to check numerous staff computers....if they so desire!!!!!
Worst yet was facility maintenance. SHARE is right smack downtown Atlanta- in or near very epicenter of crime. Also if memory serves they have had guest's struck by Atlanta Traffic- yet offer no road belts nor safety gear. Other vets asked about mine and I sent it all to staff to "consider" issuing something of the like. At Biscayne APT's I observed no security camera's anywhere to protect vets and their vehicles, etc... I was told by staff to ensure laundry room was locked as target of opportunity for other than guests....odd!!!! Also none of locks on my ground floor apartment worked, I had to buy WD-40 and "service" the locks myself- ended up giving bottle to RA staff for utilization as I left. My room was horrid, none of dishes nor silverware washed/cleaned... I am a fall risk and no shower mat. Had to purchase my own....as well as adequate pillows to accommodate GIRD and other conditions! I have also sleep on rocks in the mud and rain more comfortable than the bed I was given...the mattress was worn beyond out. Also, the lamp in my bed room with no ceiling fan nor light, was broken and an electrical hazard. That had to tell staff not to try to repair on own unless certified! I had a Curtain rod that was not attached to anything properly and slid off or to left or right as tried close one curtain. My blue couch was worn out so bad it leaned to one side. Furthermore, the AC/Heat control lid was broken. I received a very lengthy "speal" from same former VA employee about not, selling, nor giving away medications, but in my room was provided no means to secure the-i.e medicine cabinet nor even lock box- yet again odd???? Despicably considering how many folks had access from staff to APTs!!!! Also there was no safe or mechanism with staff to secure valuables such as car keys, electronics or jewelry, etc.. in APT.
Odd yet again given crime rate and all kinds of monitored access without security cameras..... Luckily I brought my own door jam and door stops to deter intruders.....do not think most "guests" think of this..... Out back of my apartment were several very real safety hazards and intruder friendly access, yet they chose to place "cones" over horse shoe pits.....odd yet again on that "brilliant decision!" As I was leaving, by chest of drawers literally fell apart and staff RA acknowledged he was aware of it but hoping it would last longer. Also, the van utilized carry veteran guests was broke and driver trying to fix engine himself. This van in fact had both side mirrors, as we say in Army, "circle X" meaning a "deadline" item due to safety or various reasons and vehicle cannot be utilized until repaired and "downtime" must be accounted for, by someone!!!!
Finally, being a USMA graduate, Open Water Dive Certified, Infantry officer, Gym Rat most of my life-they wanted to in fact certify me on a "deadlined" punching bag (Responsibility Physical Therapist), and Gym Equipment as well as the pool...but this was not to occur until week number-2. When are men considered men and do not in fact have to be certified on everything by someone most likely less knowledgeable than them????
Given, sodium fluoride (Prozac) and other chemicals in local water, did not even provide any sort of bottled water or alternative like Gatorade etc....which some vets need for numerous "health reasons" etc....
All of this and more I sent to numerous staff, as well as litany of others .....(see attached pictures), with, as I was told by various staff very valid corrective measures, however simply seemed quite pleased with status quo.. and no disciplinary action taken for "inadequate" leadership or stewardship of funds and resources....
I simply place it in the highest court of the lad, you, the public-hopefully veterans- to decide for yourselves....... whether or not mine, and I would hope the sponsors of this program, standards are in fact "too" high!!!!!????? Or if Vets' are being placed unnecessarily at risk due to those charged to execute this program on behalf of the sponsor...??????
Well, That was my experience others may in fact have better and SHARE does offer quite a lot not offered by VA, etc..... but be prepared for two hour phone screen of death by yet another SW....so budget "air" time accordingly
This was my very brief experience.....(results might not be replicated by others who try to attend!)
This program was designed for veterans with very good and noble intentions! I believe, however it, has in fact strayed from the path its creator/sponsor envisioned! As a non-profit, and privately funded, if I were funding it I would simply like to know were in fact every dime was spent and was it in fact spent wisely and all things budgeted for, such as Program, Facility...etc routine maintenance and upkeep. As stated, I was at SHARE very briefly, and as a Combat Vet with numerous issues I was very sadly disappointed and in total agreement with Program Director- we agreed to totally and radically disagree- decided to depart exceedingly early after they almost sent me to emergency room or worse, due to highly "adverse" chemical reaction's to something a former VA employee was wearing, as well as cleaning products utilized in this same former VA employee's Area of Responsibility- the "guest" apartments at "Biscayne!"
Normally, and I offered, to let by-gone's be by-gone's, even thought I personally take being harmed or worse, either though negligence, ignorance, or deliberate, very personally, and infact tend to get very upset and mean- as I think any Combat Survivor should!!! Well, the only real MH Professional I saw my 5-days there was in fact a Social Worker, which a degree in SW takes approximately 18-months versus the 5(+) years of training of a Liscensed psychologist. Well even though I was in fact cordial to staff but had very limited and heated conversation with Program Director, they simply had said SW check on me very routinely- as if to portray me as either violet or psychotic or worse! So, sometimes it is simply best to depart an area were the cards are simply stacked against one, and staff do not like being called out on their numerous faults in leadership and stewardship, of their sponsors money and resources!! Furthermore, the "Program" Director could not tell me if they in fact had a "staff" grooming standard- that specified hypo-allergenic skin and clothing products for work, nor could they even tell me if cleaning products were in fact Echo Friendly or hypo-allergenic (sent Staff and whole host others pictures of these products)????? Odd....Furthermore the staff neurologist claimed no one else could smell anything on said employee when, do various reasons my own sense of smell is hindered from 10-feet away!!!!!! I will not attach photos' of these products...as if anyone who reads this associated with sponsorship of this program only has to check numerous staff computers....if they so desire!!!!!
Worst yet was facility maintenance. SHARE is right smack downtown Atlanta- in or near very epicenter of crime. Also if memory serves they have had guest's struck by Atlanta Traffic- yet offer no road belts nor safety gear. Other vets asked about mine and I sent it all to staff to "consider" issuing something of the like. At Biscayne APT's I observed no security camera's anywhere to protect vets and their vehicles, etc... I was told by staff to ensure laundry room was locked as target of opportunity for other than guests....odd!!!! Also none of locks on my ground floor apartment worked, I had to buy WD-40 and "service" the locks myself- ended up giving bottle to RA staff for utilization as I left. My room was horrid, none of dishes nor silverware washed/cleaned... I am a fall risk and no shower mat. Had to purchase my own....as well as adequate pillows to accommodate GIRD and other conditions! I have also sleep on rocks in the mud and rain more comfortable than the bed I was given...the mattress was worn beyond out. Also, the lamp in my bed room with no ceiling fan nor light, was broken and an electrical hazard. That had to tell staff not to try to repair on own unless certified! I had a Curtain rod that was not attached to anything properly and slid off or to left or right as tried close one curtain. My blue couch was worn out so bad it leaned to one side. Furthermore, the AC/Heat control lid was broken. I received a very lengthy "speal" from same former VA employee about not, selling, nor giving away medications, but in my room was provided no means to secure the-i.e medicine cabinet nor even lock box- yet again odd???? Despicably considering how many folks had access from staff to APTs!!!! Also there was no safe or mechanism with staff to secure valuables such as car keys, electronics or jewelry, etc.. in APT.
Odd yet again given crime rate and all kinds of monitored access without security cameras..... Luckily I brought my own door jam and door stops to deter intruders.....do not think most "guests" think of this..... Out back of my apartment were several very real safety hazards and intruder friendly access, yet they chose to place "cones" over horse shoe pits.....odd yet again on that "brilliant decision!" As I was leaving, by chest of drawers literally fell apart and staff RA acknowledged he was aware of it but hoping it would last longer. Also, the van utilized carry veteran guests was broke and driver trying to fix engine himself. This van in fact had both side mirrors, as we say in Army, "circle X" meaning a "deadline" item due to safety or various reasons and vehicle cannot be utilized until repaired and "downtime" must be accounted for, by someone!!!!
Finally, being a USMA graduate, Open Water Dive Certified, Infantry officer, Gym Rat most of my life-they wanted to in fact certify me on a "deadlined" punching bag (Responsibility Physical Therapist), and Gym Equipment as well as the pool...but this was not to occur until week number-2. When are men considered men and do not in fact have to be certified on everything by someone most likely less knowledgeable than them????
Given, sodium fluoride (Prozac) and other chemicals in local water, did not even provide any sort of bottled water or alternative like Gatorade etc....which some vets need for numerous "health reasons" etc....
All of this and more I sent to numerous staff, as well as litany of others .....(see attached pictures), with, as I was told by various staff very valid corrective measures, however simply seemed quite pleased with status quo.. and no disciplinary action taken for "inadequate" leadership or stewardship of funds and resources....
I simply place it in the highest court of the lad, you, the public-hopefully veterans- to decide for yourselves....... whether or not mine, and I would hope the sponsors of this program, standards are in fact "too" high!!!!!????? Or if Vets' are being placed unnecessarily at risk due to those charged to execute this program on behalf of the sponsor...??????
Well, That was my experience others may in fact have better and SHARE does offer quite a lot not offered by VA, etc..... but be prepared for two hour phone screen of death by yet another SW....so budget "air" time accordingly
