Community Based Flexible Support Program Model

Fellowship Health Resources, Inc. recently implemented a new Community Based Flexible Support (CBFS) model to benefit its persons served. The Department of Mental Health generated the model with the intent of designing services based on consumer ideas, needs, and preferences. The Fall River CBFS model is akin to the Fellowship’s Delaware model: Community Continuum of Care Program. CBFS provides flexible residential and community services within the Fall River Region.

Fall River organizes the Region into three teams: Fall River North, Fall River South, and the Specialized Team. CBFS model staff positions include the Associate Clinician, Employment Specialist, Rehab and Recovery Coordinator, Rehab and Recovery Facilitator, and Utilization Management and Care Coordination Specialist.

The Fall River Network (FRN) first established its Harbor Hill group living environment (FRN now refers to its residences as group living environments, rather than group homes) to target the Gero-psych population. In 2003, FRN merged residential and community services, and since the introduction of CBFS in July 2009, Harbor Hill now targets the Transitional Age Youth (TAY) population. These historically difficult-to-engage consumers (ages 18-30) receive unique services designed to increase their independence. For example, Rehab and Recovery Coordinator, Terri Bernier, and Rehab and Recovery Facilitator, Dina Santos, conduct groups on-site, as well as outside the group living environment. The Region’s Recovery Advocates also facilitate Rehab groups, which include but are not limited to: Health and Wellness, Stress Management, and Financial.

Beginning in July 2009, Fellowship Health Resources’ FRN has established valuable relationships (Memorandums of Understanding) with several community agencies, including Family Services, STARR, Healthcare Pharmacy, and CoastalCareerAcademy. These agencies complement FRN’s services, with groups such as Seeking Safety and Recovery, co-facilitated by STARR staff, Patti Gerber. Additionally, in an effort to increase the knowledge and education of FRN employees, FRN will collaborate with STARR to offer certification classes in CADAC (Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor). FRN employees also participate in the Taton Learning Institute’s Undergraduate Case Management Certification Program in collaboration with Rhode IslandCollege.

FRN attempts to promote our consumers’ talents and desires by incorporating them into the community. One of our consumers shared his talents within the Fall River Art Association, displaying his artwork in many community buildings. His spirit and confidence has helped him move on from the Harbor Hill site to independent living. FRN also employs some of its consumers in an effort to prepare them for future job interviews and opportunities. Local community agencies that employ our consumers include Mass Rehab, Community Connections, and Hillside Café at CorriganMentalHealthCenter.

By Christina Fournier
Administrative Coordinator
Communications Representative, Fall River Network