I AM READY TO DO THE JOB by Kishma Lewis

Kishma Lewis - new employee

Hi, my name is Kishma S. Lewis and I have been looking for a job for awhile. Two years ago, I was told that I should be a peer specialist, but I felt I was not ready. So I turned it down.

In September of 2013, I was at my program called The Key Clubhouse of South Florida. There, I was told that another program called Fresh Start Drop-in Center was looking for a peer specialist. This time I was ready to do the job.

I enjoy being a peer specialist.  I am learning new skills and best of all, I am working with my peers.

Many employers feel that those who have a mental health diagnosis cannot function or work as well as those who do not have a diagnosis.  But I am writing to say, we wear many hats and do wonderful and extra-ordinary things.

Everyone needs to understand that people with mental  health diagnoses want to be treated the same as everyone else.