September 30, 2011
It takes a village…
In these past two weeks the downtown Detroit Seniors took care of one of their own. Simon’s life (name changed) has been turned upside down. Schizophrenia’s grip has tightened and he is experiencing unrelenting voices, eviction from his apartment, and homelessness. He roams Capitol Park where he thinks no one can see him and where he believes if he runs away, no one cares enough to follow. He didn't realize that the watchful eye of Sara (name changed) and several other seniors who live in his “village” were upon him. “He is my friend and neighbor” Sara said. “I have been following him around the park; staying up late at night making sure he is safe; he needs our help.”
Sara came to St. Aloysius to seek help for Simon. “He’s hard to talk to; he runs away.” said Sara. She and the parish nurse went to the park; Simon said, “Go away—you’re not real.” With that, Simon fled across the street, unaware of the passing cars. Sara and the parish nurse came back to the offices and contacted the Wayne County Adult Protective Services. Through that contact, Sara learned that it would be best for Simon to have a temporary guardian. The next day, Sara selflessly went to Probate Court and filed. Quickly the court wheels moved. Sara and several other seniors attended the court session—a guardian was assigned to Simon.
For the next week, the Seniors followed, watched, and cared for Simon—waiting for his guardian to come. But even all of this care didn’t prevent him from being physically assaulted. His face bore the bruises and cuts from the violence. It is so hard on the streets. Fortunately, the next day his guardian found him, but he ran. Thankfully, watchful eyes of the seniors saw him—they got on the bus that he took to escape. Using their cell phones, they communicated with Sara. So when he returned from his ride on Gratiot, he was given the help he needed—the police met him at the bus stop and gently took him, at the guardian’s court order request, to the crisis center at Receiving Hospital. There he would be safe, warm, and given the medical and psychiatric care that he so desperately needed.
To Sara and the seniors: thank you so much for your love and care. It truly takes a village to stand up for those who cannot help themselves.
This story was told to me by the St Aloysius parish nurse. I believe it exemplifies the kind of ministry we are able to have as we step out on to the local streets in our community. The parish has a natural nexus to life on the streets and we are in the process of trying to strengthen it.
