HRDI
Peter Thomas is a certified specialist at St. Bernard Hospital since November 2020 and has been the Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) at HRDI since October 2010. Previously, Peter Thomas served as a Recovery Support Worker (RSW) where assistance was provided to clients through group therapy aimed at enhancing their daily activities and preparedness for challenges. At Lutheran Social Services of Illinois from April 2008 to April 2010, Peter Thomas held the position of Intake Aide - EMT, responsible for evaluating patients for detox suitability and ensuring safe detoxification. Prior experience includes working as an EMT at Vandenberg Ambulance from November 2005 to April 2008, focusing on the safe transport of patients. Peter Thomas earned an Associate of Arts and Sciences (AAS) degree in EMT from South Suburban College in 2003 and attended Morehouse College from 1980 to 1983.
HRDI
Human Resources Development Institute, Inc. (HRDI) is one of the largest Certified Behavioral Health Clinics in Chicago. Founded by Dr. C. Vincent Bakeman and Doris M. Lomax, HRDI is a organization with 200 employees. For 49 years, HRDI has developed an infrastructure that far surpasses the traditional social service organizational structure to become a health and human service enterprise that serves more than 8,000 clients annually across various service areas. Nearly 99% of the clients are at the lowest range of the socio-economic ladder, and exhibit a host of challenges that expose them to major leading causes of premature death, including homicide, sexually-transmitted diseases, HIV infection, and poor health maintenance. HRDI continues to be at the forefront of addressing the many health issues affecting the communities it serves and provides over 30 programs in the areas of alcohol and substance use disorder; youth prevention; family services; community health; case management; mental health and disabilities; alternative youth education; HIV/AIDS prevention and education; and gambling prevention and education. Select programs at HRDI are accredited by The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).