D amian Clendening is a busy man with other jobs, but he makes sure he has time for The Umbrella Transition Program as a case worker. He works one-on-one with clients to help them move forward in life and overcome barriers. It’s not just about clients working on substance recovery; there are myriad other essential factors in getting them back on their feet. Damian listens to clients and guides them on how to fill out applications and find jobs, helps with logistics, and teaches them financial literacy. When needed, he also points them toward resources such
as food banks and medical facilities. And it’s not just one initial meeting. It’s the follow-through that’s important—being there through the entire path to recovery. Damian shares the happiness of seeing clients turn their lives around. “We would see them on the street before, and then see them go to work every day and pay their bills and set alarms and do the right things that they should be doing, coming back a part of society.”
Sadly, there are those who choose to leave the program and go back to their old habits. “It can be frustrating, but when things go right, it's very rewarding.” What makes Damian care so much? “It can happen to anybody— we're all made up of the same thing. Who knows if next year something crazy happens and I end up in the
Damian Clendening: Case Worker for The Umbrella Transition Program
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