Every day, visitors from across the country and around the globe come to tour Fountain House, and one of the first things they often remark upon is the beauty of the surroundings. From the graceful curve of the staircase in the Classical Georgian foyer to the sleek, sun-drenched grandeur of the Wellness Unit, Fountain House is indeed a lovely place to be – a stark contrast to the impersonal or shabby trappings that are common in the world of mental health.

This emphasis on physical environment is an important part of our approach. The founders of Fountain House believed that the structure and condition of the building made a statement to the people living and working within them. The dignity and worth of the Fountain House community are reflected in the beauty of the setting. Despite stylistic differences, this value is shared by Fountain House-model programs everywhere, whether it manifests in the modern, loft-like elegance of Independence Center in St. Louis or in the cozy, country home-feel of Klubitalo Fontana in Finland.

At Fountain House, some very special corporate partners have helped us to keep up our appearance during the economic uncertainty of the past few years.

AFM Safecoat, a leading manufacturer of nontoxic paints, adhesives, and cleaners, graciously donated 140 gallons of low VOC paint to Fountain House for the cost of shipping. Norman, a member who is actively engaged both in trying to help save FH money and in promoting a greener, healthier lifestyle, made the connection to AFM. We’ve been using this high-quality paint around Fountain House and in our residential buildings, and we’ve even sold gallons, at a nominal cost, to members and staff who wish to paint their own apartments. This gift has not only brightened our walls – it’s kept our environment healthy!

Fresh flowers were among the early casualties of a leaner budget. Members and staff in the Horticulture Unit lost one of their most creative and inclusive jobs, and the rest of the House missed the vibrant arrangements that had graced every area. Enter member, artist, and stalwart lover of flowers, Kathy. She organized a “Bring Back the Flowers!” campaign and appealed to Associated Cut Flower Company, a family-owned and operated business that has been selling in the New York Flower Market for more than 50 years. Their generous weekly donation keeps us in buds and blooms. The flowers are back!

At the end of every season, Chelsea Garden Center, renowned purveyor of plants and a great neighbor, regularly gifts us a variety of beautiful plants and trees especially selected for the urban gardener. Their contribution immeasurably improves the look and feel of our buildings and gardens.

Many thanks to our wonderful partners who help us realize the beauty of our building. It’s an enormous source of pride to our community and one component of the therapeutic environment that helps members take steps toward mental health.

Andrea Roy
Communications Director, Fountain House

 

Many, if not most, mental illnesses manifest during adolescence and young adulthood. Fountain House has had a longstanding interest in reaching out to young adults who are experiencing the onset of illness.  Lisa Dixon, MD, MPH, recently wrote an article for the New York State Office of Mental Health website detailing the importance of early intervention, as well as some of the challenges that must be addressed before we can enjoy the great promise that this approach holds. She writes:

"Early intervention in the treatment and possible prevention of serious mental illnesses, including psychotic illness, is both an exciting possibility and imperative for our mental health system. Research has demonstrated that many, if not most, persistent mental illnesses start in childhood or adolescence. Knowing that illness comes so early in life underscores the need for, and opportunities of intervening as soon as possible with accessible and high quality services. The result can be reduced disability and improved quality of life over a lifetime."

"Biological, psychological and social functioning research suggests that early identification and intervention can reduce illness severity and the disability that follows...While many of these studies require replication, they offer hope and pathways for treatment leading to the meaningful improvement of lives."

Read source

Dr. Dixon, currently a Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, will soon be working on a first break initiative for the New York State Office of Mental Health. We’re thrilled that she’s coming to visit Fountain House and hopeful that we’ll find a way to work together to advance this exciting new venture.

Kenneth Dudek
President, Fountain House


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Since November, the Wellness Unit has been hosting a weekly workshop called Returning to Balance from 5 pm – 6 pm on Thursdays.  It’s a combination of yoga and massage taught by a trio of teachers who alternate weeks – Ruth teaches self-massage, Shoko offers chair massages once a month, and Elizabeth teaches yoga and self-massage.

For me, this class is a good review. Many years ago, I learned acupressure and helpful basic trigger points from my brother, who is a health practitioner. (Recently, a friend had a cold, and I showed her the pressure points in her nose. She said it helped!) I studied self-massage with Ruth before, and every day I use it to ease chronic pain in my knee and in other places. These past weeks I’ve learned many new pressure points from the reflexology chart she gave to us, and I refer to it for help outside the workshop.

Elizabeth stresses how important it is for us to be aware of our bodies, “Your body is your own encyclopedia, so where you feel soreness you know what to work on.

This coming week is a yoga class. Yoga teaches deep breathing and ways to relax. I hope when this course is over, we will continue the yoga class in the Wellness Unit, because relaxation is so essential to us all.   

Walking in the wind this early morning, I was happy to feel that my breathing had grown deeper. Practicing what you learn is important.