Charting a course: Fairwinds helps folks find their way

Article reprinted from the Falmouth Bulletin.  Written by Sarah Murphy.  December 10, 2009

Club member Susan Wilson with her painting "The Feleling of Fall"
Photo by Sarah Murphy

FALMOUTH - For many people during the holiday season, the gift of stability and employment is what really matters. Fairwinds Clubhouse in Falmouth provides people suffering from mental illness with those gifts, and much more.

The clubhouse recently hosted a holiday open house to thank the community for its support.

"We help people with severe and persistent mental illness get back into society. Every person needs a reason to get out of bed in the morning, a place to go. It’s the same for our clients," said Fairwinds director Karen Galley.

"Here we focus on supported education as well as providing a variety of services including advocacy, entitlement assistance, housing and employment assistance, a wellness program, and basically anything and everything it takes to provide support for people after they’ve been hospitalized and to keep them out of the hospital."

Located on Main Street across from St. Patrick’s Church, Fairwinds is one of 32 similar programs in Massachusetts and boasts the second-highest employment rate for people with mental illness in the state.

"About 40 percent of our clients are out in the community working at different jobs," said Galley.

Flo Bodnar is Fairwinds’ employment coordinator. She works with businesses in the Falmouth community to provide jobs for clients.

"We have seven transitional employment positions which run for six to nine months. Many of our clients have been out of work for a long time, so this allows them to get back into the workforce and acquire skills," she said.

"We also have 23 independent jobs which are available after they make the initial transition."

Fairwinds staff members go to the workplace and learn the transitional jobs themselves so they can offer training for each position, act as job coaches, and even fill in for members in the event of illness.

They also provide motivational speaking to clients prior to the start of their jobs.

Some of the employers include Windfall Market, Laureen’s restaurant, TJ Maxx, the Falmouth Service Center and Royal Nursing Home.

"The first criteria, though, is they have to want the job," Bodnar said.

Bodnar also oversees the education department of Fairwinds’ career center, which receives some financial assistance from Mass Rehab.

"One of our members graduated from Bridgewater State College and two are currently enrolled at Cape Cod Community College," she said.

Fairwinds also provides assistance to those who want to pursue their GED or other preparatory courses.

Bodnar said the Falmouth community is extremely supportive but the clubhouse can always use extra involvement.

"If any businesses can find it in their hearts and minds to contact me with job leads, we’d be most appreciative," she said.

Mark Bourgoin, who has been a member for about 12 years, said it’s much more than a place to socialize. Bourgoin is an artist, and one of his paintings was used for the club’s brochure.

"There is participation from everyone, both the staff and the members," he said.

Danielle Natale, who hopes to return to college, agreed.

"The staff and members here are all equal," she said. "And once you’re a member, you’re always a member."

To that end, every day a lunch is prepared and served in the clubhouse. Wendy Martyna is the culinary unit coordinator and oversees the daily meal.

"Members help out in every capacity. Lunch can only be served with member participation," she said.

"They help out with grocery shopping, meal-planning and budgeting."

Steve Pheeny said Fairwinds gives his son Jonathan a safe place to go on a daily basis.

"When he first came to the Cape he felt lost. Here they’ve helped him find work and it’s really improved his self-confidence," Pheeny said. "He’s able to be less self-involved and more socially aware."

In September, Jonathan Pheeny organized a fundraising walk in Falmouth that raised approximately $3,000 for Fairwinds.

Jonathan said one of the things he likes about being a member is the way he is treated.

"They treat each member like an individual," he said.

 Fairwinds memeber Jonathan Pheeny, left, and his father, Steve, are both grateful for all the clubhouse offers.  (Photo by Sarah Murphy)

Diane Harvey, manager of Laureen’s, said the restaurant is happy to participate in the employment program, and has been doing so for about 15 years.

"We like to be able to give someone a fair break and a chance to get back into society," she said.

One of the restaurant’s employees started out as a dishwasher in a transitional position.

"It worked out so well, we decided to hire him after the position ended. He’s been with us for seven years," Harvey said. "It’s great to be able to give a little extra care to someone who really needs it."

Susan Wilson is a Fairwinds member and works at Windfall Market.

"I love the customers and I love the people I work with. I also help my friend Kevin who’s blind do his grocery shopping. And I ring the bell for the Salvation Army this time of year," she said.

"It’s another gift I’m receiving, to be able to help them out."

Wilson is also an artist, and one of her paintings "The Feeling of Fall" was exhibited by the Falmouth Artists Guild.

"I’ve been painting since I was in the hospital," she said. "It helps me. It’s therapeutic."

Jade Andrukonis of Windfall Market said the store has been involved with Fairwinds since the store opened about 12 years ago.

"We’re glad to be able to help out those that might not be able to find employment elsewhere," she said. "We like to be community-oriented. Fairwinds is a great organization. Their members make great employees."

Elizabeth Martins said Fairwinds has not only found her employment, but will help her gain independence.

"Two years ago, when I was 19, I was diagnosed bipolar and borderline personality. People with mental disorders need to know there is help out there. It’s important to educate people," she said.

"Fairwinds has helped me so much. By next year, I’ll be living on my own."

Jay Zavala, president of the Falmouth Chamber of Commerce, views Fairwinds as a valuable resource, not only in a professional sense but also a personal one.

"My oldest son is psychiatrically disabled. He doesn’t live in Falmouth but has been in various group homes, hospitals and clubhouses," Zavala said.

"It’s a good feeling to come in here and see all the work that is being done. They’re charting a course for people."

Fairwinds employment program

Local businesses are encouraged to participate in the Fairwinds Clubhouse employment program. For more information, contact Flo Bodnar at 508-540-6011 or visit fairwindsclubhouse.org.