Doing Her Part

Almost six years ago, Dana Scarlett thought she might not get another chance. Dana already knew she was HIV positive, but that did not stop her from drinking and getting high on the streets. As a result of not taking care of herself, she spent nearly three weeks in the hospital and her HIV crossed over to AIDS.

At this point, Dana decided it was time to grow up. She needed to quit doing drugs. She wanted to be around for her children and her grandchildren. That was five and a half years ago.

After that hospital stay, Dana’s friend referred her to COVA, an ADAMH-funded agency. COVA assists and supports the community in overcoming mental, emotional and other challenges to a productive life, focusing on employment, economic stability and life skills.

Dana was lucky enough to get hired on the spot when she went to COVA for an interview. She started in the janitorial department and worked in the department for more than five years. During her time at COVA, she was promoted to a supervisor because of her superior job performance.

While at COVA, she also had the opportunity to attend classes on how to write a resumé, how to interview and she even took a computer class. COVA allowed her to work a flexible schedule and continually increase the number of hours she worked based on job performance.

“COVA helped me a lot. I came from the streets, drinking and doing drugs,” said Dana Scarlett. “When you are out on the street, you don’t learn how to get to work on time. You don’t learn how to talk to your supervisor. COVA taught me those things.”

Last year, Dana’s daughter saw a position at Southeast, Inc., another ADAMH-funded agency. Her daughter encouraged her to apply. She thought it would be a perfect position for her mother. Last fall, Dana interviewed for the position and she was hired. She is now a full-time Peer Specialist for people with HIV and mental illness at Southeast, Inc.

In her position, she works with consumers one-on-one. Also, she works with families to help them better understand HIV and mental illness and to help reduce the stigma associated with both of these illnesses.

Today, Dana is still learning how to manage money but she is proud of the fact that she has her own checking account and savings account. She is helping raise her grandchildren and she has been clean for almost six years.

“You have to do your part. You can’t just wait around for it to happen. COVA and ADAMH have taught me how to do my part. Now, I hope I can show others how to do theirs.”