FHR Annouces Participation in Falmouth Road Race
Fellowship Health Resources CEO and President, Joseph Dziobek, has announced his support of and participation in the Falmouth Road Race to take place on Sunday, August 15, 2010. He joins Rachel Grinnell, member of Fairwinds clubhouse and Advisory board. Below are their personal pledges for support:
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Joe Dziobek
FHR President/CEO
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Three years ago, I began biking to raise funds for cancer research as part of the Pan Mass Challenge. It was also a personal challenge because I had not ridden a bike in almost 40 years! This summer I have a new challenge: to raise funds for the Peter D. Kirwin Fairwinds Center, a collaboration among the Friends of Fairwinds, the Falmouth Housing Corporation and Fellowship Health Resources. The Center will provide a future home for Fairwinds, one of two clubhouse programs for adults with mental illness in Massachusetts operated by Fellowship Health Resources, which I helped start in 1989. I have chosen to run in the Falmouth Road Race rather than ride in the Pan Mass Challenge this year because the acquisition of the Center is vital to the continued operation of Fairwinds. I have not run more than a few miles in my life, so participating in the Falmouth Road Race will be another personal challenge for me, but one that I am determined to meet.
Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support Joe's fundraising efforts. Thank you!
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Rachel Grinnell
Fairwinds clubhouse and Advisory board
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In Rachel's words...
I began training approximately 8 weeks ago with staff and members of the Fairwinds Clubhouse wellness program. I could not even run 1/2 mile at the start, but given the support and motivation of my peers, I have been able to lose 20 lbs. Currently I am running up to 4 miles every other day and I feel amazing! I am enjoying the compliments, which encourage me to reach my physical and mental goals. This is my first year running and I'm proud and looking forward to a healthier lifestyle.
Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support Rachel's fundraising efforts. Thank you!
FHR's Fairwinds Clubhouse is sponsoring Rachel through a raffle for Red Sox tickets. Click here for more information.
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Founded in 1973, the Falmouth Road Race has been featured in Life Magazine and Sports Illustrated, as well as on CBS television and ESPN. In 2005, it was named in Sports Illustrated "One of the 25 essential things to do in the summer." It was the only road race listed. Proceeds from the race benefit Falmouth school programs and youth organizations.
In 2009, 25,000 runners applied for 10,000 coveted spots to run in the CIGNA Falmouth Road Race. The seven-mile race is a tradition for many year after year and welcomes participants of all types, including amateur runners, wheelchair athletes, and even former Olympic runners. It is best known throughout New England, but its notoriety attracts people from as far away as New Zealand.
Some race for fun, while others use the race as an opportunity to raise money or awareness for important causes and charities. The Fellowship Health Resources and Fairwinds Clubhouse team will be running to bring awareness to the stigmas surrounding mental health disabilities and for those who receive care for a mental illness.
For more information about the race, visit www.FalmouthRoadRace.com.
Don't miss your chance to win Red Sox tickets while supporting a great cause!
FHR's Fairwinds Clubhouse is sponsoring Rachel Grinnell for the Falmouth Road Race to be held on August 15, 2010. Please help by joining us in TWO separate raffles for TWO pair of Red Sox tickets (game date September 6, 2010). Drawing to be held at Fairwinds Clubhouse on August 2, 2010 at 1 p.m. The price of the raffle tickets are (1) for $10 or (3) for $25.
Please contact Karen Troup to purchase or call 508.540.6011
Rachel's story
I am taking this opportunity to share my story with you as just one example of the significance of having the clubhouse available in our community.
I was eight years old when diagnosed with a mental illness. This illness took over my entire life and my family’s.
As I got older the illness became worse, and I was in and out of hospitals for several years. When I was about 22 years old, I began experimenting with illegal drugs to ease my pain; my condition only worsened and eventually I developed an eating disorder called bulimia. I had hit rock bottom. Finally, I realized I was in trouble, and with the help of my mother, got admitted to a hospital. When released from this hospital, I moved into a group home in Hyannis. From there I was placed with a host family in Falmouth. While staying in this home I was introduced to, and joined, Fairwinds Clubhouse.
The clubhouse was full of friendly and helpful people and I began attending every day. Within five or six weeks I was encouraged to try working through the Transitional Employment Program. I successfully completed six-month commitments at Burger King and the Ramada Inn, then eight months at the River Bend Kennels. Later, I moved up to a Supported Employment position at the Brooks Pharmacy where, with the aid and support of Fairwinds Clubhouse, I was employed for five years.
Every Tuesday evening there is a “Career Dinner” at Fairwinds to give those members who are working during the day a chance to get together, have a fine meal, catch up on clubhouse happenings, and socialize. This dinner group gave me the final boost in self-confidence I needed to conduct my own job search. In January 2003, I got my very first independent job in several years. I still work at that job.
I now live in my own apartment, have my own car, and have an easier and better life. I hope my story raises the awareness that people with a mental illness are people who can live productive lives and give back to the community.
Editor’s Note: Fairwinds is a Community Support Clubhouse Program for persons with serious and persistent mental illness on the Upper Cape.