South Brunswick Resident Helps Woman Move from Depths of Despair to New Career

It’s been more than two years ago, but twenty-seven-year-old Dayna was able to transition from a reclusive young adult to an active participant in everyday life and embark on a new career path, all because of the social services she received from Easterseals case manager and local resident, Farzana Haider.

Back in January 2015, Dayna closed herself off to the world, refusing to leave her room, often failing to report to her part-time job and isolating herself from the social interactions she had always enjoyed. At her lowest point, she spent much of the day lying in bed playing video games, refusing therapy and was known to have outbursts of anger.

Desperate, her mother called the Department of Mental Health in Somerset County, who referred them to Easterseals. As a result of weekly meetings with Farzana, Dayna quickly began making progress. “We spoke weekly about her family issues and the causes of her unstable mood,” Farzana recalls. “I encouraged her to become more social, exercise, and change her eating habits.” She supported Dayna in achieving the following:

• Receiving Medicaid and Social Security benefits

• Accessing Division of Rehabilitation Services (DVR) – career services

• Initiating physical activity

• Establishing better eating habits

Farzana and Dayna started to develop a trusting relationship, and Dayna soon returned to her part-time job, slowly taking on more challenges. “There may still be many challenges for me to deal with, but Farzana has been there to guide me in the right direction,” Dayna said. Recently, she received her license as a massage therapist. Now, Dayna works two days a week as a massage therapist and two days at Kohl’s. “Under the supervision of Farzana I have been able to grow, mature, and become more independent,” adds Dayna.

Dayna wants to share her story so she can inspire others not to lose hope. She says, “I’ve overcome so much, and I thank Farzana and my family for helping me to do so.”