Client Profile: Behavioral Health Care Services
Three years ago, Vu*, a single mother, was living with her sister's family. They wanted Vu and her children to move out. Not knowing where else to go, Vu contacted ACMHS after learning about us through the Vietnamese community.
Vu arrived in the United States in 1979 when she was 11 years old. She attended high school but did not graduate. She had three children from an 8-year relationship with a man who had been violent and physically abusive before leaving her for another woman. Vu also suffered from nightmares of death and destruction witnessed during the war in Vietnam.
When Vu began attending an ACMHS support group, she had difficulty concentrating and remembering information. She spoke very little and kept to herself, seldom talking to others and avoiding looking at people directly. She seemed depressed and paid little attention to her appearance. She reported that she did not like to cook, and let her children eat whatever was available (which is unusual for Vietnamese mothers). She did not want ACMHS to make home visits.
After many attempts, ACMHS succeeded in convincing her to have a medical evaluation. Vu was nervous and fearful. The doctor was patient with her but also concerned about the way she took care of her children. Because Vu could be classified as a mother who neglected her children there was the possibility of contacting Child Protective Services.
Concerned about Vu's health, ACMHS made an emergency home visit to her house and her father's house. The home visit revealed that Vu was a different person at home. She was more at ease, took initiative, and demonstrated that she behaved well around people she trusted.
By attending ACMHS programs, Vu began to learn sewing and computer skills. Along with other group members, she also learned about healthy food and meals, and began to cook proper meals for her children. Gradually, she developed trust towards group members, talking with them more and sharing her opinions. She also discussed her son's problems at school and sought help for him.
Vu has changed a lot. She is more mature, is taking greater responsibility for her children, and is hoping to move to another place. Vu has even introduced others to ACMHS and has volunteered to give them rides to meetings. She is proud that she can be helpful to others.