CCA’s success comes from our strong provider partnerships and those who extend our mission to those they serve. We’d like to share one such success story featuring the work of the dedicated team at Marie’s Place thanks to our partners at Bay Cove Human Services.
CCA One Care member Robert* has struggled with multiple chronic and behavioral health conditions throughout his life, including diabetes, hypertension, seizure disorder, and bipolar disorder. He has also struggled with stable housing and alcohol use disorder.
Over the past year alone, Robert had eleven emergency department (ED) visits and five hospitalizations, and spent over one hundred days at a substance use residential program. Despite these treatments, Robert struggled to stabilize both his health and his life. To help, his primary care team referred him to Marie’s Place, which provides short-term crisis stabilization services for people with acute behavioral health and/or substance use disorder needs. Marie’s Place is operated in partnership with Bay Cove Human Services, a long-standing, Boston-based organization committed to serving those in need.
“Before coming to Marie’s Place, Robert struggled to maintain his goals for recovery in any of the environments available to him,” said Charlotte Carroll, Director of Behavioral Health Care Delivery at CCA. “It was difficult for him to manage his chronic conditions or take care of his mental health. He needed a place that could cater to his complex needs where he could recover at his own pace.”
Marie’s Place was designed to support people like Robert, who live with a variety of complex medical, behavioral health, and social needs and require longer-term stabilization support. During the stay, the team at Marie’s Place helps guests stay on track with their medications, improve their nutrition, join peer groups and therapy sessions, and find permanent housing through the use of community agencies.
Since arriving at Marie’s Place in July of 2024, Robert’s physical and mental health has improved greatly. “Robert has made great progress in just a few months,” said Charlotte. “He’s been substance-free since he arrived at Marie’s Place, he’s taking his medications, and his mood has improved. He’s also been able to better manage his diabetes, eliminating the need for insulin.”
Robert’s quality of life has also improved. He joined a recovery gym, started volunteering, and recently went back to work. With the help of his team at Marie’s Place, he’s also found a permanent home.
When asked about his experience with Marie’s Place, Robert said his team has been instrumental to his recovery. “They advocate for me,” he said. “They help me with my medications and with my housing. They work with you, and they care about you. Everyone around the house has been supportive and I’ve been able to stay focused. I’ve been here just a few months, but they’ve helped me a lot.”
“I’ve known Robert for a number of years, and this is the most stable that I’ve ever seen him,” said Charlotte. “He’s doing well and he’s very proud of himself.”
Because of his progress, Robert feels hopeful about the future. “I just want a good life,” he said. “I’ve got a good team of people here. Once I leave, I know they will keep working with me and I’ll keep doing what I’ve been doing.”
*name changed to protect identity