NLACRC Consumer & Family Stories
The World Needs
More People Like Mark Cohen
Mark Cohen is an adult
consumer with a positive attitude and a broad smile, who
lives a very productive, independent, and satisfying life
in a San Fernando Valley community.
Born in Pennsylvania, Mark relocated to
the Valley over 20 years ago. He attended BUILD Industries
and the Work Training Program where he learned valuable
job skills, and today he is competitively employed at Tarzana
Hospital.
He works eight hours a day on weekends and
as needed, delivering medications to nursing stations, and
is enthusiastic about working with the hospital staff. Mark
travels to work by bicycle. The one that he currently rides
was given to him by his co-workers after his original bicycle
was stolen.
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| Mark with his dog Snowy. |
He lives independently in his own apartment
with several pets. He got his sweet dog Snowy at the local
animal shelter, and he has a cat named Johnny. Mark also
takes care of his roommate’s pets, a bird and hamster, while
his roommate goes through rehabilitation after suffering
a stroke. Mark will probably need to find a new roommate
and a new apartment soon, yet he remains optimistic. He
visits his roommate every other day.
Mark says, "I enjoy everything about living on my own."When
asked what he feels is most important about living independently,
he says, "It’s important to be happy about where you’re
living and have good health skills." A supported living
assistant helps Mark once a week with tasks like shopping,
budgeting, and paying bills.
His service coordinator, Pierrette Jordan
says, "I have had the pleasure of working with Mark
for over six years and look forward to the years to come.
Mark is a good-hearted man with a kind word for everyone.
He takes pride in his work and is quick to tell you how
the pharmacy at the hospital where he works could be more
efficient.
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| Mark with the bicycle that he received
as a gift from his coworkers at Tarzana Hospital. |
He is a conscientious worker and anticipates
and expects that others will be the same. The world would
be a better place if more people carried themselves as Mark
does -- with kindness and compassion for others."
In his spare time, Mark enjoys singing,
attending movies, and going for walks in his neighborhood.
His personal goals – to become a better person and to help
people – are ones that to those who know him, he has already
achieved, yet to Mark there is always room for improvement.
If you are a consumer, family member or
service provider in our catchment area (San Fernando, Santa
Clarita and Antelope Valleys), and have a story you’d like
to share, contact us.
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