My Nonprofit Reviews

bellanmateo
Review for Good News Rescue Mission, Redding, CA, USA
This place is taking advantage of the mentally ill. My fiancé whom I've been caring for several years is mentally ill. He was in between medication changes and his new medication was not working well. We were going to address these things with his Dr. but he was entering a mental breakdown already, not being on the correct meds. He didn't show to his appointment with his Dr on a Monday. The very next day, Tues of that week he rode his bike to the mission while I was out of the house and enrolled himself into their drug and alcohol program. He does not drink nor do drugs or drink whatsoever, this is not his issue. He is mentally ill and needs psychiatric help and meds for psychosis. They had him sign an 18 month contract with them. Giving up all his rights to talk to family, friends, leave the premises and take his very needed psychiatric medication. I have done everything to relay to these people in particular the Program Director for the men, was rude, did not care that I was telling him my fiancé is mentally ill, in a manic state, and lying about having addiction issues. He does not understand that part of his sickness is lying, manipulating, and self destructive behavior. They will not allow our family access to him. I've contacted his disability advocate who's helping him with his disability case for his mental health, I've contacted social services that told me to have a wellness check, I've left voicemails for 2 other directors of the program, and the Director of Operations with no response. I've contacted his pcp, his psychiatrist, anybody who can help me get him out of there and back home to his family, and getting him the treatment he actually needs. Without power of attorney or an advanced directive they’re making it impossible for me to bring him back home. They are stating that mentally ill people can sign themselves up and choose to not leave as their rules state. The problem with that is that’s taking advantage of the mentally ill, further it’s a drug and alcohol program. My fiancé isn’t a drug user nor a drinker. He doesn’t use nor abuse either. The New Life Recovery Program does not care that his family, me his primary care giver is telling them he's been registered under false pretenses. He has zero addiction issues, he has mental health issues. They are claiming they will get him the mental health help he needs, but I've also spoken to his clinic where he receives his mental health help, and they made very clear that the program he's in do not allow medication. They want the "users" to be drug free. I’m going to repeat this a million times he’s not an addict! He is not a user of any kind! They have a drug program and a Christian program for their clients. People can believe in whatever they choose but prayer nor Jesus is going to cure him of his mental health issues. Medication is the only thing that stabilizes him from fits of anger to suicide attempts. No one will listen to me. No one will listen to his family who knows him, whom loves him, cares about and wants him home. He is not and was not in the correct state of mind to admit himself to a place that's not going to even address his real issues. I was informed by the clinic where he receives mental health help that he is not the only mentally ill person that is in the same position in this program, and are not being treated for their mental health issues. Apparently this is their treatment and policy. Conversion therapy of sorts. Taking a mentally ill man for his word with expired identification, no social security, no birth certificate, to even provide proof of who he is and admit him on his word is ludicrous, especially when his family is clearly stating that the entire thing is fraudulent enrolling someone under drug and alcohol addiction when that is not their issue. People are donating to this place and they are abusing their power. They are taking advantage of the mentally ill , blocking this family from bringing their family member back home and getting him the help he needs. Do not trust these people, and do not donate to their cause. It's a sham! Praying I can get my fiancé out and home. Taking advantage of the mentally ill should be against the law, much like elder abuse. Lastly these people are not doctors able to diagnose mental health issues, and should not be messing with people’s medication. The medication my fiancé was taking cannot just be stopped, it must be wained off. He could be put into further psychosis. They are messing with people’s life like they are God.
More Feedback
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Have them do their homework with the clients they are signing up for their program. Listen to the family of the client when they’re telling you they’re mentally ill with no addiction issues. Stop acting so cult like in their actions with cutting off communication to loving, supportive families. Don’t take medication away from mentally ill people. They are not doctors. These medication can be dangerous for someone to stop suddenly.