I worked in mental health services for almost six years after finishing my first Masters degree, the last of those years was 2004 when I decided I had had enough; six years documenting the behaviours of people suffering from schizophrenia, a horribly misunderstood disease.  My clients had to deal with both auditory and visual hallucinations, plagued by the worst memories as fresh as the fallen rain.  Leaving the position was one of the most difficult decisions I have ever had to make.  Not only are the clients special, but most never do manage to let down their guard enough to talk about their illness.  Psychiatrists seem to treat the behaviors, but often overlook the feelings and attitudes of the clients.

So when in the fall of 2007 I see, let's call him Rudy, walking aimlessly down the street, asking folks for money.  I'm waiting for a bus, he doesn't recognize me at first until he locks eyes with me... then out comes the grin, the relief, and the hand.  I go to shake his hand and he hugs me.  We catch up a little bit, he tells me he's living life the hard way, no support, no group home; his illness severe enough to permit him residence in a little boarding house where in his words, "people move in to die."  I ask him what he is doing for work and he can't answer; no job, no prospects.  I suggest he help me and Atlantic Webfitters by placing coupons on cars parked in parking lots... "nice, expensive cars, Rudy" I say.  He gets it and says he's willing to help... so I put $50 into his hand, and 100 coupons.  I let him know that for every person who signs up for a portal, I'll pay him $50.  He's shocked, relieved, grateful and seems serious.  100 coupons worth $5000 for someone without a cigarette to smoke.

Two weeks later, I get my first phone call... "hey, you put your card on my truck when I was in the city, so now I'm calling you to help me out with my website..."  We do business, set up http://progressiveacousticinteriors.com and I get to let Rudy know his work is showing.

I don't know who you are... or what you do... but if you know someone who is down and out, needing a fairly simply job, please let me know and we'll outfit them for success.