FHR's Westwick House Honored
FHR’s Westwick House Honored at RICCMHO’s Anniversary Celebration
The Rhode Island Council of Community Mental Health Organizations (RICCMHO) celebrated its 30th Anniversary on November 19, 2009, with an event at Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet in Cranston. As part of this special evening, Fellowship Health Resources’ (FHR) Westwick House was honored.
Westwick House has the distinction of being not only FHR’s first group home, but also the first group home to reside in the State of Rhode Island for consumers with behavioral health issues. The program opened its doors in January of 1975. (Of note, FHR’s President and CEO, Joseph Dziobek, began his career with FHR at this time as a mental health counselor at Westwick House.) For over 34 years, Westwick House has provided a warm and comfortable environment at its location in West Warwick, where it is part of the local community. The staff has remained dedicated and committed to the recovery and well-being of all consumers who have made Westwick House their home.
Back in the 1970s, when deinstitutionalization from the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) was the focus, Westwick House was there to provide a starting point for individuals to reintegrate into their community. More than three decades later, the program continues to provide the same level of care for consumers re-entering the community, and helps to prepare them for the independence that many people take for granted. Over the years, Westwick House has successfully helped consumers move to more independent settings regardless of their age, psychiatric history, substance abuse issues, or fear of failure.
Westwick House currently provides 24-hour residential treatment for 12 consumers. In addition to the treatment for their various diagnoses, consumers participate in a variety of social and educational activities, all with a focus on symptom management, life skills, and recovery. Some topics of the educational groups have included staying safe in the community, maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle, working with staff on individualized treatment plans, the process of moving from a group home to a more independent setting, and how to maintain stability when others around you are in crisis. Furthermore, Westwick House staff continually encourages consumers to further their education and/or pursue vocational goals.
Consumer success stories illuminate the success of the program. Peter M. recalls that prior to his admission to Westwick House in 2008, he was homeless for many years and became addicted to drugs and alcohol. He lost the trust of his entire family who, over time, disowned him. Eventually, he became part of the criminal justice system. He was first sent to the Rhode Island Department of Corrections’ ACI and then to the Forensic Unit. Peter writes, “Since my referral to Westwick House in 2008, everything has changed for the best. I have been clean and sober for three years. I have embraced my treatment at Westwick House and now participate in Narcotics Anonymous and Alcohol Anonymous groups weekly, see my psychiatrist, and take my medications. Most importantly, I have learned to listen and am no longer in denial about my mental illness. One of the biggest changes in my life has been to reconnect with my mom and dad, as well as the rest of my family. Slowly, but surely, I am gaining their trust back. I look forward to the new experiences that lie ahead as I get my life back on track. Westwick House is teaching me the skills I need to become an independent, productive citizen again. One day I hope to have my own apartment, driver’s license, and a job once again.”
Fellowship Health Resources’ Westwick House is proud to be recognized as an integral part of Rhode Island’s mental health provider’s network. As an honoree at RICCMHO’s 30th Anniversary, we are grateful for the opportunity to recognize this wonderful program, its consumers and staff, and the program’s ongoing mission to provide hope for individuals as they work through the recovery process.
Bethany Goldberg
RI Regional Director
Communications Representative, RI
Pictured left to right: Joseph Dziobek, Ginger Werbicki (RI Regional Director), Cheryl Camparoni (WWH Director), Carolyn Traxler (RICCMHO Board Chairwoman), Elizabeth Earls (RICCMHO President/CEO)