Hi, my name is Seth Derrick. I have had the privilege to work for Hospitality House for a little over a year as a Shelter Advocate and Outreach Case Manager. My passion for helping others has led to over ten years of social work experience in various capacities. My story is about my recent role working as an Advocate at Sierra Guest Home, our senior housing complex that we acquired back in October, which gives housing-ready seniors an opportunity to live with dignity and support services. While at Sierra Guest Home, I’ve been working with one very special person, whom I’ll call Gene.
Gene has lived at Sierra Guest Home for a few years. Having a safe and dependable place to live, with support staff onsite, has helped him stabilize some of his mental health symptoms, which include auditory and visual hallucinations. Gene often struggles with getting adequate sleep, navigating time, and having normal conversations with others. However, since living and receiving services at Sierra Guest Home he has been able to maintain a life in the community without the need of a higher level of care.
During many overnight and swing shifts I have been able to support Gene with managing his symptoms and maintaining optimum emotional and behavioral health. He has been very open with me in conversations about the symptoms and his struggles to carry on in daily life. On many occasions I have been able to support Gene with exploring some of his thoughts, helping him to come to a place where he is more comfortable and feels secure with his environment and living situation. I have also supported Gene by empowering him to reach out to some of his support systems, such as his mental health caseworker and psychiatrist during struggles with symptom management. Gene is now able to maintain himself in the community with the support of Sierra Guest Home staff. Considering past struggles with living situations, his success here has been remarkable.
Hospitality House is proud to offer senior housing to community members like Gene. Those interested in furthering our work are encouraged to donate at hhshelter.org.
Thank you to everyone who donated during our International Women’s Day event. Your generosity helped us exceed our original goal of matching funds, serving the needs of the many women, men, and children in Nevada County who lack a stable place to call home. Your thoughtfulness is much appreciated.
Normally at this time, we thank all the cook groups who came and cooked over the last week, but to keep our shelter safe, our cooking groups are supporting our meals by donating financial support and food, and Chef Gina is safely cooking all meals instead. We’d like to thank Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital, Nevada City United Methodist Church, Sierra Presbyterian, Gold Country Calvary Church, Meal by Heels, Kitchen KutUps, Repeat Offenders, BriarPatch Food Co-Op, and SPD Markets for all their recent help.
Due to a construction project at Utah’s Place, donations of goods are still temporarily suspended. In-person donations are expected to resume by July 2022, unless otherwise indicated. Hospitality House asks individuals and businesses to please consider financial contributions during this time in lieu of physical goods to reduce the possibility of injury in a construction zone. Donations may be made at hhshelter.org, by calling 530-615-0852, or by sending a donation made payable to Hospitality House at 1262 Sutton Way, Grass Valley, CA 95945. In the words of Utah Phillips, “If we all stick together, we’ll get what we need.” Thank you!