Robert's story:

Robert is a 47 year-old native of San Francisco. He is a former iron worker and had to stop due to work-related breathing problems. He has been coming to SMHC for over 11 years. “I have a lot of health problems. Dr. Berman is making sure I’m getting well, explains Robert.

After his wife of 20 years passed away a few months ago, Robert found comfort at the clinic. He adds, “They’ve been thorough and fast with me, even the receptionist, Gloria. She’s a really nice lady. She knew my wife and she calls to make sure I’m okay. After my wife died, they’ve been really good to me. I was always coming in depressed. But after coming here, I’m okay. It’s something about the environment. They’ll just sit and talk to me.”

Having been sober for over 17 years, he talks with kids that are having problems in school with drugs. He also likes to fish and ride his Harley. A father and grandfather, Robert spends a lot of time with his family. He says, “We go to Disneyland, all over the place. On Father's Day, we went down to the San Diego Zoo.”

Robert is saving to buy a motor home so he can travel and fish. He says, “I want to get out of where I’m living in the Tenderloin, but it’s good for me right now. I get a little help and do some talking. I’m the kind of person that holds things back. That was my wife’s biggest gripe about me. They’re helping me where I’m at.”