Turnbridge is pleased to announce Rob Deffendall as Turnbridge’s Unsung Hero for the month of October, 2013. Rob began volunteering for the organization two years ago, facilitating weekly group sessions at the Phase II residence. His unwavering commitment to helping young men in recovery did not go unnoticed and he was subsequently hired as a member of Turnbridge’s Support Staff team. He later joined the company as full-time Facilities Manager and, Less than a year ago, Rob began to take on case management responsibilities. Rob currently holds the position of Phase III Case Manager. As Case Manager, Rob supervises a caseload of young men in early recovery. His duties include assisting with money and time management, offering emotional support, and corresponding with the families of resident, in addition to monitoring individual resident progress through the program. The position is gratifying, according to Rob, but it can also be difficult and frustrating. “I think the most difficult part of my job is watching a resident struggle in an area of their recovery, and not being able to help them through it,” Rob said. “Basically they have to do it for themselves. You can lend support, and talk with them, but you can’t make that change for them. The rewarding part is watching them work through it, witnessing them make positive changes in their lives. They achieve things that they thought might not be achieved. To share all of the victories with them is gratifying.” “I believe in the organization. I believe in what they are doing. It’s a great job. It’s not a typical 9-5 job. It’s a job that you live, but I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else.”