Yusef

I was asked to give a Bio on how I came to Project Live, and the influence PLI has had on my life, especially those that touched my life to help me grow in PLI.  I came to PLI in 1997 from a boarding home.  Things then looked very dark for me because I didn’t think my life would go any further in a positive direction. First I want to thank God for meeting Mrs. Underwood.  She was the one that did my intake for supportive housing. Once I came to PLI, I met Johnnie Mae and Sherry.  I spent a lot of my time at that group home because of a good friend that was in that residence. Mrs. Underwood encouraged me to take some courses on mental Illness and behavior, which I did. At the same time, I helped out wherever I could when I could. She introduced me to Raul who helped me to get my license back. I didn’t think I would ever work again--that it was hopeless to think that I would. But Raul took a chance on me.

While working at SHP, I learned a lot and some of that I use in my personal life as well. I’ve been working for PLI for 11 years.  I’ve had fun and met many good people along the way. Even though I may not say it a lot, there are those whom I have come to respect.  The advice they have given me has helped me tremendously. Some became more then just co-workers.  Some have become a big part of my life like Raul, Sylvia, Sherry and Johnnie Mae. They became my family and helped me to reconnect to my own family. PLI has done a lot for me in so many ways.  I will be forever grateful for PLI and what it stands for. I hope it will never stop helping those who are not able to help themselves.  THANK YOU PROJECTLIVE!