Raising Funds and Community Awareness in PA

During 2009, Fellowship Health Resources Pennsylvania (FHR PA) expanded its cultivation of relationships with foundations, corporations, individuals and the community. Continued diversification of funding sources is our goal.

Grants were received for support of our Outpatient Services and Neil’s Place, a transitional housing program. We received an in-kind donation of more than 16 suites of office furniture for our new offices on 723 Wheatland Street from a local pharmaceutical company. FHR PA is continuing to seek grants for computers and other supplies to address the needs of our consumers in these times of economic hardship.

Building community awareness and recognition began with participation in local events and joining key organizations.

In late fall, we began a direct mail program with a testimonial from Ellen P. who shared her story about working toward recovery. Her story follows:

I came to Fellowship Health Resources one year ago to deal with depression, anxiety, bereavement and trauma after a loss. My family had tried to help, but couldn’t. No one understood me. I felt different from everyone else.

I feel so much better than I did last year. FHR helped me understand and begin recovering from my anxiety and depression through weekly therapy sessions. I have grown as a person and am better able to face new challenges, adversity and I trust myself more. At FHR I feel understood and cared for. I feel like I am getting my life back. I was at the bottom of the barrel, thinking and feeling bad things. I’m finally getting my psychological frame of mind in order. But I need to continue to work on my recovery to regain my mental health.

FHR legitimized my feelings. Everyone at FHR has helped me in my recovery. I have learned so much and come so far. I believe things will continue to get better.

FHR has made a difference in my life.

Community Awareness is very important in dispelling the myths and misconceptions that people have about individuals with mental illness. FHR PA wants to make a positive influence in the community and make a difference.

If you know of any foundations, corporations or individuals in the Delaware Valley that would be interested in supporting FHR PA’s mission to continue to provide needed support services and treatment for individuals in the community, please email szislis@fellowshiphr.org.