DBacks

In a similar vein to taking the patients to a spring training game, we decided to take them to a Diamondbacks game.  We were able to get tickets for free from a local man who supports the work that Safe Haven does for the community.  I was less nervous about this trip than the previous ones because I knew that for the most part, they would behave themselves and they did.  It is really great for me to see how these guys and girls have progressed over the short few months I worked with them.  One man, Jim, who did not want to go on the trip because he was scared of the idea, did very well.  He may have been nervous in the beginning but after the 3rd or 4th inning he was having a blast.  We sat in left field above the pool.  Great seats (especially because they were free).  A few times the ball was hit hard enough to come our way but alas no souvenirs.  The clients were free to move around, go to the bathroom on their own, buy food or whatever else they wanted to do.  It is great to have a group of severely mentally ill individuals blend in at a baseball game.  As I monitored them from a distance I was able to see them sitting right next to other patrons, kids, and single ladies and they behaved, kept their hands to themselves and were not rude or crude.  It is events like this that make me happy I was involved at Safe Haven.  Giving opportunities to people who would never have gone to a baseball game on their own and enjoying themselves, distracted from the harsh realities of their lives.  I am grateful for the opportunity to work with the clients of Safe Haven and I look forward to working with them more in the future.