Alex, a talented Information and technology specialist with previous managerial experience, began seeking IPS services in May of 2023. His diagnosis of agoraphobia with panic disorder led him to limit his interactions with anyone outside of his home as much as possible. He experienced frequent panic attacks, and his aversion to going out in public presented itself as a significant barrier to his goal of maintaining steady employment and financial security.
When Alex began working with IPS services, he was in the market for a new job; however, his agoraphobia steered him exclusively toward work-from-home positions. He possessed all the technical expertise to succeed at the highest tiers in the IT field, but his desire for seclusion created an obstacle in finding a remote position that matched his technical expertise.
Over the course of the 13 months Alex worked with IPS and his treatment team, he made considerable progress in overcoming his barriers. He was eventually able to enroll in continued education courses, which allowed him to maintain his current certifications. Despite his diagnosis, he was able to travel farther from home and spend increasingly more time in public spaces.
Today, Alex is actively applying and interviewing for employment outside of his home, which is a huge milestone considering his state in 2023. When speaking about his perspective on working with IPS, Alex noted, “FCS and IPS have been very good at providing hope. The hope of getting you back out there. FCS makes you feel like you are not alone. They provide hope.” He added that IPS and FCS helped him reacquire the drive to look for jobs again. This put him back on track to achieving his vocational and financial goals.
Chloe started IPS services in early 2024 and has made significant progress in identifying and accomplishing her career goals. When Chloe first started IPS services, her only concrete goal was employment, although educational pursuits were on her radar too – although, she was unsure of which direction to go educationally.
After completing the IPS career profile and learning more about educational opportunities available to her, while still interested, Chloe was hesitant to move forward in her education because of her age. She feared it was too late to begin an educational pursuit, and she wanted to ensure that if she did, she pursued something about which she was passionate.
Eventually, after discussing her educational goals with her IPS Employment Specialist, Chloe began looking into an interior design program that would propel her into a future she felt with coordinate with her interest in decorating and design. She decided to put her job search on a pause while she investigated interior design programs.
With the help of her IPS Employment Specialist, Chloe found the Interior design program at Clary Sage College, a private, non-profit institution in Tulsa, OK. She discussed questions to ask during her school tour with her IPS Employment Specialist, and she proceeded on her own to learn how the school would help her achieve her dreams of interior design. She applied and was accepted to the program a mere five months after she began receiving services from IPS.
Focused and motivated, Chloe started applying for volunteer positions at local animal shelters to help position herself for scholarship opportunities through her school. Now that Chloe has started school, she has chosen to utilize IPS services to find a job related to the interior, home, and design industry, which would help her gain highly relevant work experience while she attends school. Chloe has come so far in the time she has been receiving services from IPS, and her Employment Specialist believes she will continue to flourish and be successful in both school and her career.
Angelo, a 52-year-old male who was diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder and Anxiety Disorder, began seeking treatment from FCS in 2019. Angelo had two degrees in Computer Programming, and at the start of his treatment with FCS, he intended to look for full-time employment. This goal led him to FCS, and specifically, to the IPS program. After two IPS sessions, he determined that he really wanted to go back to school. Despite already having the two degrees, Angelo decided that he wanted to challenge himself with something new, and the English department at a major midwestern university provided just the challenge he was looking for.
Angelo’s success did not come easy. When Angelo came to FCS, he had been living in his car for four years, and he did not have known family members, nor did he have a large group of friends. He did, however, grow a strong support system with FCS case managers, with whom he was very engaged. He attended group therapy when he could, determined to overcome his current situation and become an advocate for others in similar situations.
Since his diagnoses, Angelo developed the coping skills necessary to assist him on his life’s journey. In addition to starting back to school, Angelo secured an apartment, which provided the stable environment he needed to excel in his new university program. Angelo learned to take what life gave him and make the most of it.
Stephanie was referred to FCS’s IPS program after having been an engaged client with FCS for many years. Stephanie had previously been involved with the FACT 4 treatment team, receiving assistance for mental health struggles. She was always appreciative.
Stephanie started in IPS not entirely sure what she wanted to do for work. She had had a few odd jobs in the past, but she was now looking for something more long-term. Stephanie admitted to not having the best resume and wanted to get a job and keep it for a minimum of a year. She originally thought she may want to have a job where she could work remotely, but she realized this would limit her ability to increase her social skills. Stephanie then thought she might want to try delivery driving. She felt this would allow her to be out and about, learning a variety of social and employment skills.
Stephanie was highly motivated. She began driving for Door Dash but decided that this job would not be the best option for her long term, so she discontinued a few months after she began. She continued her job search in earnest, applying for jobs between her sessions with IPS. Soon, she was able to share the exciting news with her Employment Specialist that she had identified, applied for, and been offered a job. She began her new role in April 2023, and as of the writing of this story (more than a year later), she is still employed by the same company.
Stephanie is elated to have accomplished her original goal. She is now looking at taking another part time job – something with a bit more challenge. over the past year, Stephanie has grown in social skills, employment skills, and general life skills. She has become more successful in budgeting, medication management, and finding ways to be out of the house on social outings. Stephanie continues to engage and push herself in new ways. This, thanks to her involvement in and ongoing support from IPS.
Learn more about how IPS Leads to Client Success.
All client names were changed to retain anonymity.
