Part of the mission of CHOICE of NY is to address the needs of our clients with sympathy and compassion that they may not experience in more traditional agencies. In many cases, the first step is to build a connection of trust and understanding that allows the client to open up and accept the possibilities of true healing and progress. Our socialization groups provide the perfect forum for both relationship building and personal growth.

Many of our clients participate in our weekly socialization groups: Visual Arts, Music, and Creative Writing. Through these groups, clients learn to express and explore their feelings and motivations. The non-threatening, group-oriented atmosphere provides a sense of camaraderie and support not found elsewhere.

The work that comes out of these groups is nothing short of powerful and inspiring. We thought we’d share a poem with you…written by one of our clients…titled “Someone I Admire.” The writer invites you inside his struggle…inside the battle that rages inside a person…to fight against the tide and break through the darkness. It’s a long and sometimes lonely journey, but in the end, it’s nothing short of life-saving.

The person that I admire
is the new me that I constantly
dream about, talk about, hear about
and know deep inside

The person that i admire is beyond
the bogged down, captured me
that i feel with such
a deep sense of pride

I was meant for more than what
I see when awakened, shakened,
stirred, reckless beyond a stormy tide

I was born for creativity,
inspiration, stimulation working beyond
an occupation with my supporters
on vacation
never meeting my situation
they can’t handle my
personal complication

I admire the me
that I’m about to be
I admire the me that nobody knows
nor loves, nor cares about yet

I’m in love with the one
that I know deep within
I’m my greatest friend
my greatest supporter
my greatest ally
without having to try

I no longer cry for me
wanna die for me
I’m here to try for me
Damn it! Start a fire
I am now someone I admire