Kristopher is a 29-year-old diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Bipolar Disorder, anxiety, and anger management issues. Kristopher also has misdemeanors and a violent felony on his record. To obtain employment, Kristopher needed help to expunge his criminal record. He was connected to case management and a variety of supportive services through Mental Health America (MHA) – Los Angeles, Brilliant Corners, Asian Pacific Islander Family Mental Health Center and Neighborhood Legal Services. Kristopher is housed in North Long Beach in a two-bedroom unit with a roommate, and receiving rental assistance from Brilliant Corners. He has been able to get his
misdemeanors expunged and is working on getting a certificate of rehabilitation for his felony. He is managing his mental health, coping with anger, and retaining his sobriety with the help of case management and mental health support. Kristopher is ready to start the mental health program at Cerritos College and ultimately wants to obtain a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. He is currently working as a Part-Time Recovery Peer Supporter for Service Planning Area (SPA) 8 with certification from Project Return Support Network. Kristopher has developed support groups for individuals experiencing homelessness at the MHA Wellness Center and MHA Village. In those support groups, he helps individuals in the community of Long Beach cope with barriers and
navigate community resources. He also helps motivate individuals to keep working towards their goals. Kristopher wants to continue on this path and wants to continue giving back to the community of Long Beach through his employment, helping others the way he is being helped.
