About Fountain house
Fountain House: Empowering People with Mental Illness
Fountain House is a national nonprofit organization that has been fighting for the dignity and dreams of people living with serious mental illness since 1948. The organization was founded on the belief that people with mental illness can lead productive and fulfilling lives if they are given the right support, opportunities, and resources.
At Fountain House, individuals with mental illness are not seen as patients or clients but as members who actively participate in their own recovery. The organization provides a supportive community where members can build meaningful relationships, develop new skills, pursue education and employment opportunities, and engage in social activities.
The Fountain House model is based on the Clubhouse approach to psychiatric rehabilitation. This approach emphasizes collaboration between staff and members in all aspects of running the organization. Members work side by side with staff to manage daily operations such as cooking meals, cleaning facilities, answering phones, and organizing events.
Through this collaborative effort, members gain a sense of purpose and belonging while developing valuable skills that can help them succeed outside of Fountain House. In fact, many former members have gone on to achieve great success in their personal and professional lives thanks to the support they received at Fountain House.
One of the key strengths of Fountain House is its focus on holistic wellness. The organization recognizes that mental health is closely linked to physical health and overall well-being. As such, it offers a range of programs designed to promote healthy lifestyles such as exercise classes, nutrition workshops, smoking cessation programs,and more.
In addition to its core services for adults living with serious mental illness,Fountain house also offers specialized programs for young adults aged 18-30 who are experiencing early symptoms of psychosis or other serious mental illnesses.The Early Intervention Program (EIP) provides intensive support services aimed at helping young adults stay engaged in school or work while receiving treatment for their condition.
Another unique aspect of Fountain house's approach is its emphasis on advocacy.The organization works tirelessly at local,state,and national levels advocating for policies that improve access to quality care,supportive housing,and employment opportunities for people living with serious mental illnesses.Fountain house also collaborates closely with other organizations working towards similar goals,to amplify collective voices advocating change across society
Overall,Fountain house has been instrumental in changing perceptions about what it means to live successfully with a serious mental illness.Its innovative Clubhouse model has inspired similar organizations around the world,and its advocacy efforts have helped shape public policy around issues related tomental health.Fountain house continues today,to be an important resourcefor individuals,families,caregiversand communities affected bymentalillnessesacross Americaand beyond