Today, we cleaned the Occupational Therapy Kitchen at work. We used to have occupational therapists on staff who taught many life skills, helped patients identify texture differences, and in general gave patients opportunities to learn coping skills.
That was before the spring of 2003, when the therapeutic program at the Montford Unit was gutted by budget cuts.
Since then, we recovered some social work positions, and were up to 11, then lost 2 to attrition, and 3, last fall, to another reduction in force due to budget cuts.
I helped with the cleaning and even brought some items to a local non-profit agency resale store. Many other art items will be donated to a local agency that has programs for children.
I was bummed out. I spent about 3 hours on this project, and went back to work, and was able to see patients, which is balm for my soul. No particular patient, just being able to see patients.
But, I left early today. I just could not push myself to do more...
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