D & M Consultants, Inc.(D & M) is a non-profit organization that was established in 1986 with two Fairweather Lodge initiatives. These programs aid individuals with serious mental health challenges to integrate into the community. Initially, the participants were from a 'Step Down' ward at Clinton Valley Center, transitioning to more independent living. Using the Fairweather principles, a group resided at Peacock Lodge and Bingham Farms Lodge in Michigan, forming Ever-Glo Janitorial. Furthermore, in 1987; D & M introduced two semi-independent apartment programs for the same demographic. Fast forward to 2008 when we were approached to begin working with PCS, formerly Lifeways; to assist returning citizens as part of the MPRI (Michigan Prisoner Reentry Initiative). Expansion of services continued into 2009 & 2010 when we opened a total of four 24 hour residential programs in Macomb and Oakland County providing supports to individuals with behavioral issues.

“My son Mike was diagnosed with Bipolar Schizoaffective Disorder in his early teenage years. He is going to turn 40 this December and has battled this diagnosis for close to 25 years. It has been very hard and emotionally painful to see my son go through this psychiatric condition. I have tried my best to get him help from many psychologists, psychiatrists and counselors all these years. Mike has had several hospital stays and run-ins with the law. Fortunately, he has had many people in his life who tried to help him including certain teachers, police officers, school counselors and judges who gave him a chance to get help at group homes.

The most important long term help Mike has received came from D&M homes and staff. I would like to give credit to some very early D&M staff members there. First, Val who has known Mike for almost 25 years. Val’s excellent knowledge of behavioral tendencies of Mike’s disorder has helped in her recommendations of medications, living arrangements, organization of chores and recreational activities which really helped him over the years. Second, Rodney who has also known Mike for about 22 years has been a great male role model and even assisted Mike when he had court cases in his early years. These two staff members had the patience of saints compared to myself! The last several years, Mike has had help from more recent staff members, Jennifer and Amy. They have continued the excellent service of D&M staff and Mike will tell you himself that he might not always agree with them, but he has great respect and admiration for all they have done for him.

I would like to mention some of the services that D&M provides for their clients. Mike and others at D&M provide rides and assistance for any medical visits and medication distribution. Clients learn to assist in meal preparation and grocery shopping. Financial advisement and assistance are provided as needed. This includes Social Security, Medicare and any other state and federal paperwork. And finally, D&M staff encourages and transports clients to recreational activities and events.

My son is involved in his original church and even sings in their contemporary band on certain Sundays. (He has an excellent voice!)

I can’t overemphasize the quality of D&M staff and services compared to other organizations my wife and I have looked at over the years. Mike did live independently a few times but eventually had to go back to D&M when the going got to tough for him. Fortunately, D&M was there to pick him up and give him a safe place to live. I can’t thank D&M enough for helping my son over the years since Mike’s needs were way above what my wife and I could provide. He still visits us, and we have even taken Mike on vacation with us sometimes. I highly recommend D&M to anyone who has a family member or someone else needing a higher level of care than immediate household members can provide. “

Sincerely,

Bob M.