Name: Teryl Seeman

City: Santa Rosa

Disability: Panic Disorder, Anxiety

Teryl is a mother of three sons and a grandmother. She lives with her youngest son and says “my family is the most important thing I have”. She has struggled with anxiety for most of her life. “It’s hard to explain, but I have never felt comfortable. I get around people and I feel like I want to run away.”

Teryl was not in good shape when she came to us. She hadn’t worked in years and felt like a burden to her children. She was referred by a friend who knew she needed help getting her SSI benefits. She had been denied twice and was ready to give up. The paperwork and mail correspondence was overwhelming to her and she was worried about her future. “I couldn’t stop thinking that I could get sick and end up dying on the streets” Teryl recalls.

She came to the Monday Orientation and met with Para Legal, Lisa Trumbly.  Lisa described the process to Teryl and let her know what to expect from court. Lisa counseled her to believe in herself, which she readily admits she didn’t at that point. “It is a blessing you have Lisa. She kept me supported and encouraged. She is my inspiration. I have so much respect for her” says Teryl.  After a year, she was finally successful in receiving benefits.

Now that Teryl has benefits she feels confident about supporting herself and not relying on her children. Teryl says “I just wanted to make sure I had enough money to rent a room and eat.” Her children are proud of her for stepping outside of her comfort zone and seeking help. “If it wasn’t for DSLC, I would have never known which way to go” says Teryl.  “Now that I have a little money, I can eat better and take care of myself. I can afford to help pay my own way. I’m much happier now that I can contribute.  For the first time in my life I thought ‘Maybe I have a chance at life’.” Teryl says with a smile.