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Volunteers Of America Helps Some Gain Independence

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Working to gain an independent life is something most of us take for granted.

Alex DeMetrick reports some struggle for that independence.

Manor Care specializes in skilled nursing and rehabilitation---but in the kitchen, Donald Doyle has been rebuilding his life from a two year stay in a psychiatric hospital to a job and apartment of his own.

"Volunteers of America stood with me the whole time. They helped me get the job," Doyle said.

"Our ultimate goal is to get them out into the community, live an independent life and hopefully find a job," said Mona Magruder, Volunteers of America Chesapeake.

That help took medical care and counseling by Volunteers of America Chesapeake staff and Doyle's own determination to move ahead with his life.

"I have managed to maintain my job. I managed to get a bachelor's degree in early childhood education/human development," Doyle said.

And it all built off of the care provided by VOA's mental health program and the help of others in the kitchen.

"If you have the opportunity to bring someone up, take the opportunity," said kitchen supervisor Lamont Gray. "It's just going to be a blessing for you."

Volunteers of America Chesapeake is part of a national human services nonprofit.

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