Benjamin Hendricks was making his way through the Mercy Care clinic at Gateway Center walking in a slightly hunched position, when he caught the eye of Rod Stuldivant, Mercy Care practice administrator. It had been a few years since the two men had seen each other. They were no longer the same kids who once played together in their neighborhood just south of Atlanta.

As they talked, Benjamin confided in Rod and told him he had lost everything after a horrible breakup. “I didn’t have anyone. I didn’t know what to do,” said Benjamin. Rod told Benjamin about Mercy Care. He connected Hendricks with Tony Stone, case manager. With help from the United Way, Tony found affordable housing for Benjamin that he still calls home. Benjamin was also connected with a mental health counselor, who he meets with regularly to help manage his bipolar disorder.

“The last 11 years have been because of Mercy Care,” Benjamin said. “Rod and the people he introduced me to put me back on track.”

It was after Benjamin lost his mother at a young age that he lost hope. His sister tried her best to raise him, but he could not get over the loss of his mom—his biggest fan. Benjamin dropped out of school, and was in and out of jail, prior to walking into the Gateway Center. He knew this time he did not want to end up back on the streets or die in jail.

“Mercy Care changed my life,” says Benjamin. “Everyone I met encouraged me. Mercy Care provided the resources for me to get better.” This encouragement has continued for the past 11 years.

After Benjamin moved into his own home, Mercy Care employees offered help from time to time with groceries among other errands due to Benjamin’s poor mobility caused by a deteriorating disk in his spine. Mercy Care provided mental health recourses to ensure Benjamin received care from a trusted provider.

Despite their time apart, Benjamin says, “Rod was always a real friend regardless.”  The old friends stayed in touch after their reunion at Gateway. Rod is one of the employees who visits Benjamin and they catch up as they run errands together. “Rod has been a mentor and coach,” says Hendricks. “He always keeps his cool and never looks down on anyone.”

Benjamin is still working on his mental health and mobility. He is in the process of meeting with doctors again to find a long-term solution. He hopes to regain his ability to walk unhindered so he can return to work and fishing with his friends. Being “back on the right track” has brought Benjamin’s son back into his life. He relocated to the area with a family of his own. He visits his dad as often as he can.

“I thank God for the people at Mercy Care,” he said