Forgotten People Never-to-be-Forgotten (A Series): Lesson 19
on July 3rd, 2015 at 4:23 pmGiving is Receiving – “We are not Alone”
One of the most important of the core values found in the clubhouse model is that of self-help through mutual help. This notion that giving to others provides a gift to the giver has remained strong over the years..
Michael M. provides a perfect example of this lesson. A Harvard graduate, alcohol and mental illness lead to his hospitalization at Manhattan (NY) Psychiatric Center (MPC) in the mid 70’s. A project of bussing patients to Fountain House for the day was initiated at this time, and Michael was one of the patients who participated. Soon he was discharged and over the years remained an active member. While the project was terminated for state budgetary reasons, Michael never forgot how he arrived at Fountain House. In 2005, a new initiative with MPC entailed having members go to the hospital on a weekly basis, meet with patients, and describe Fountain House to them. He was one of the first to join this group, saying:
I had been a patient at MPC in the eighties before I joined Fountain House and the idea of going out there seemed like it might be rewarding, considering how I felt that FH had helped me get out of the hospital and get a new lease on life. I know what it felt like to be stuck at MPC as I was there for almost seven years. It has been very rewarding. I’ve met many patients who, just like me in the 1980’s, don’t have many prospects– if and when they get out of the hospital. Most of them get interested in FH and ask that applications be sent to their treatment teams. So far we have received at least 30 applications and we’ve accepted more than 10 new members. I’ve presented three of these applications to the FH Intake Committee and all of them have been accepted. This has been a very rewarding experience for me…it’s one of the best things I have ever done.
George puts it another way, telling MPC patients:
I’m here to say that if I can make it in life, you can too. Don’t let your past stand in the way of you having a better future for yourself. That’s what this country is based on; it is the Land of Opportunity, and we are entitled to the same rights as any other red-blooded Americans. The reason I say this is because if it was not for Fountain House, I too would be at MPC or some other place with doctors ready to throw away the key for life. Doctors felt I was a threat to society. But when I came to Fountain House, I didn’t let that stand in my way and you shouldn’t let your past stand in your way either. At least check out Fountain House. I don’t think you’ll have any regrets. I know I didn’t.
Greg talked about why he got involved in this project:
I believe we all have our stories to tell. That is one of the reasons we go, to listen to (their) stories — how they got there, why they are (still) there, what do they want to do when they get out? Our weekly conversations run the gamut…and give those who may never get a chance to be heard…While I cannot offer a lot…I can give them the attention they need, even if only for a few minutes a week.
Michael G. is a simple, soft-spoken older man who is satisfied when two goals are met. The first is being employed, which he has accomplished, working at a local restaurant. The second is going to MPC each week, meeting with inpatients to talk about his having been at that hospital for years, and is now free of that. He believes that anyone there can also gain their freedom and pursue their goals and aspirations, as he has. In his words he came to Fountain House after being:
…a patient at this center. Now I’m working, and I go (on) Tuesday to influence…people who are on their way out. Believe me, Fountain House is the best thing that happened to us.
Daneen is a “graduate” of the MPC Children’s Unit. She sums up her involvement:
We go Tuesday evenings and we all talk with the patients about joining Fountain House to get a second chance.
I have given much space here to the MPC project, not only because it has provided ample opportunities for several members of Fountain House to “give back.” But it has also led to a number of long-term patients beginning to believe that a bright future is possible.
Equally as important the project has had a deep effect on me. It has completed a circle that began a half-century earlier, growing up among state hospital patients –people — who influenced my outlook and career to being among such a group near the end of that career. In turn perhaps my career over the years at Fountain House, including working with both Michael M. and Michael G., Daneen, Greg and George helped influence their outlook and future. As an extra gift this completion included a second group (members) within which there exists a self-help through mutual help dynamic for all of us.
On a different level, this lesson is also taught with the example provided by Henry. Henry had been in the hospital for 23 years when he joined Fountain House in 1974. He went on to TE and also moved into a Fountain House apartment. When a vacancy in that apartment occurred he offered it to a homeless member he had met, Norman. Thus, began a relationship that very much played on the theme of giving is receiving. Henry provided a home to Norman. Henry also served as an inspiration to Norman by going to his independent job very early every day. Norman began to believe that it might also be possible for him to go to work someday. This was, of course, what happened.
In return, Norman through his talents was able to make repairs in the apartment, and also later cared for Henry in his last days. A better example of self-help through mutual help and giving is receiving cannot be found.
photo by ciri-leiknes
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