Can My Friend Get Help Through the Genesis House?
Question by The Good Samaritan: Can my friend get help through the Genesis House?
I have a friend who is an adult and has been living with her neglectful family throughout her entire lifetime. She is unable to find a job where she lives. Most of her daily activity is disrupted (laundry, eating, cleaning, etc.). Also, she can barely leave the house (at least once every two weeks) if she wants to go out and get something from the store or eat at a restaurant.
Her father was an alcoholic but has underwent treatment for it. Now, her problem is her elder brother, who is autistic and has been increasingly violent and possessive. He has been getting very aggressive lately, and he likes to hit her and her parents.
Whenever an incident like this happens, her parents keep on saying “it takes a long time to get help” or “we’re trying to get help through the state”. They have said that every time she or one of them are hit (usually slapped in the face). I believe that is considered a broken promise. Then they keep convincing her she can’t make it alone in life.
She has already been turned down by a lawyer I recommended. Then she has contacted the police, but is afraid to file any charges. Her father has warned her not to, or else he would “throw her out of the house”. Then her mother told her “I’m not ready to face the police”.
In the past year, I’ve begun to notice an increase in her anxiety from it. She feels like she can barely trust anyone, and feels her socialization skills are poor. I am aware she does have a developmental disability, but that is not why she is like this. However, I am worried she may get worse if she does not leave her home.
Then for the past several months, she would isolate herself in her bedroom. This is not healthy for a nice young lady her age! She barely eats, and she has told me she has been losing weight! Like I said earlier, she rarely leaves the house, and has seldom friends (including me), whom she rarely meets with or sees.
I know many of you may suggest I help her myself, but I already have several problems of my own (financially and economically). If I could, I would love to, but I’m already struggling to keep a roof over my own head as well as keep my own food on the table. Then I am no expert with people who live in her type of environment.
I cannot give you any personal information about her except that she lives in Ohio. (Not saying the county because this is the internet)
And if the Genesis House cannot help her, can you please recommend any other option?
I forgot to include that she is willing to get help from any religious organization. She is a Roman Catholic, but would appreciate any help if necessary.
She also does not own a car or have a drivers license. Although, she does have a temporary permit and would like assistance with getting a license.
I just want to extend the possibilities for her help.
Thank you for answering quickly Dawn! I had no idea about the state welfare system. She does not trust the city because her mother registered her brother for a group home, and they have only gave him a “very slight” push up the waiting list.
Thank you healthminded!
Yes, her brother is a few years older than her.
And yes, he has been going into counseling for these outbursts. He is on medication, but he still has these problems.
He is registered with the local MRDD in their place, and participates regularly in sporting activities for the special olympics (not saying which county or city- I have no idea how they’re organized).
The reason why I brought that up is because it sparked an incident yesterday where he slapped my friend again.
I also wish to ask how she may be relocated elsewhere without her family tracking her down. She asked me to try and find out how.
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