Tarrance Eatman was looking for medical care and found a home at the Gateway Center where Mercy Care manages a clinic for shelter residents and the community. Tarrance had been battling with drug and alcohol abuse for years.

“I had been in and out of programs only changing on the outside, not the inside.” Tarrance said. “I was always in a rush… never taking suggestions.” But this time was different.

Terrance’s healing journey began Aug. 21, 2020. He had tried to get help for his cracked and fractured ribs but was turned away. So, he went to Mercy Care. Dr. Mashandra Campbell knew he needed a hospital but did her best to ease the pain before getting a transport to Grady Health System.

“Everyone at Mercy Care was so kind, and I thought maybe I am worth saving,” said Terrance. “I have been clean since that day, Aug. 21, 2020.”

After being treated and stabilized at Grady, he still needed a place to heal and had no place to go. So, Grady referred him to Mercy Care’s Recuperative Care program at the Gateway Center. The 30-day program provides clean and safe temporary housing, meals, education, and access to a full-service clinic.

“When I first came, I was in so much pain. I was a mental and emotional wreck.” said Tarrance.

After completing the Recuperative Care program, Tarrance remained at Gateway where he was able to work towards whole-body healing. When Tarrance was not in the hands of the Gateway Center attending regular meetings to further his mental and emotional healing, he was “in Mercy Care’s hands.” There he was able to get his dentures, visit the optometrist, and meet with Tildon Wright, a Mercy Care behavioral health specialist, whom Tarrance calls his “second sponsor.” He also reconnected with his siblings, who visit him regularly.

The long-standing partnership between Gateway Center and Mercy Care allows for individuals to receive healing long after they are discharged from one of our referring hospital partners.

The Gateway Center helped Tarrance land a job Grady Health System, where he’s been working for over six months. Now in the final steps of getting an apartment of his own in early January, Tarrance is grateful for Mercy Care and Gateway Center.

“I am especially grateful for the encouragement I received. Miss Hazel is always encouraging me, and Miss Demetria always makes sure I have a Christmas present.” Demetria Jones-Edwards, case management coordinator, and Hazel Mitchell, resource specialist, were the Mercy Care staff who cared for Terrance in Recuperative Care.

Tarrance is working with his case manager on an accountability plan to help him continue making strides toward his future goals. He plans to keep in touch with the new family he made during his time with Mercy Care and the Gateway Center, and potentially adopt a dog.