Archived Stories

The Fund's new website was launched in early 2010. Most of our stories to date are found on the active story pages. As time passes and we are replacing those with newer stories, and older ones are migrating to this page.

From Depression to Leadership

Cassie was an outcast at school. She was really depressed and angry all the time. When she came to RiverzEdge Arts Project, she was struggling in school and at-risk of dropping out.

In the RiverzEdge arts studios, Cassie was challenged with hands-on work experience and a chance to take on leadership. She was recently promoted to manager in her studio. RiverzEdge made all the difference for Cassie. She’s much more open now and she’s boosted her grades because the program requires it.

In her 2 years at RiverzEdge, Cassie has truly transformed.

From Dependency to Advocacy

Dawn developed a psychotic depression and was unable to continue working as an LPN. She became homeless and self medicated with alcohol. An NRI Community Services’ (NRICS) client assisted her in getting long-term services (Medicaid and SSI.) She progressed from a group home stay to a supervised apartment and finally moved into a HUD subsidized independent assisted living apartment owned by an NRICS affiliate.
Being older, sober and stabilized psychiatrically, she kept busy encouraging other clients to get involved in Wiley Center and NRICS’ advocacy projects. At the time of her death, she had served with distinction on the NRICS Board and won several awards for her advocacy.