The Patrons of Julia and Edgar's Joint

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  • Picture of a teenaged male, at school yard in a rural area, sitting despondently on the floor, looking at his feet.          



Julissa's Story

I have been depressed since about the age of 12.  Always.  Even when I was having fun, it did not last or I found there was something not quite fulfilling. I have been in and out of hospitals for suicide and depression for 15 years.  Today I am in a better place and I have accepted that taking medication is important, but therapy and medication alone is not enough.  That's why a place like Julia and Edgar's is so important.  Part of living a healthy life is enjoying life and being with other people.  When I go to Julia and Edgar's I know some of the other patrons have been through what I have been through.  I know I can have a conversation about some of my life experiences not only with the staff, but with the patrons too.  My favorite thing about Julia and Edgar's:

  • The recording studio  using MUSICat where we use software to record our own music.  With the music therapist, I worked on recording some of my poems with music in the back ground. I didn't know I could sound that good!  Recording my poems have helped me to go out and perform my work at a few coffee shops and open mics. 
  • I love all the books here!  I can pick up so many different books about mental health, and inform myself about my medications or other medical issues.  They try to keep up to date with copies of fashion magazines and the latest news.  I really enjoy that. 
Another thing I love about the Joint is that its in my neighborhood.  Sometimes you need a break from the South Bronx, its true, believe me!  But its also nice to have a place like this in my part of town with all these services.  Its great. 

David's Story

I found out I had Schizophrenia when I was 30.  I was not totally surprised because my mother also has a psychiatric illness.  But when I was diagnosed I was angry, ashamed, distressed.  I could not see a way of living a life, the life I had, with this disease.  I didn't want to take medication, I didn't want to leave my house.  I lost my job.  I felt my life was over.  When my therapist referred me here, I rolled my eyes because I didn't want to be with "those" mentally ill people.  The uneducated ones, the ones who can't speak correctly, or dress appropriately, like me.  But I am so happy I gave this place a chance.  Julia and Edgar's Joint taught me that I have something to offer despite my illness or maybe because of my illness.  I tutor other patrons who want to improve their reading skills.  

What I use at the Joint:  

  • They have a program called TypingClub .  I can type, but not that well.  I increased my speed from 20 words per minute to 35.  I think it really improved my marketability.  
  • They also have a program to help me improve my vocabulary called Vocab1 because I felt this would also help with my job search.  I mean I have a nice vocabulary, but after a few years of not working, I thought it wouldn't hurt to work on my speech and vocabulary. 
  • The interviewing lab!  This was fantastic!  I was able to record myself on camera, to look at myself and listen to myself as if I was on a real interview.  This helped me improve my confidence, so I could really look at myself  and how people were seeing me.  It helped me make better choices about how I dressed, and my posture. 
 I got a nice part time job at WNYC Radio station.  Nothing too stressful! But if it wasn't for all the help I got at Julia and Edgar's Joint, I would not have gotten my foot in the door.  This is a fabulous place.


Right:  Arief Rahman Saan (Ezagren) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lonely_boy.jpg

Left:   Speng D.  Lonely Afternoon Clock.jpg https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lonely_Afternoon_Clock.jpg                                                          


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