Saltpond Areas Bird Sanctuaries, Falmouth, Massachusetts
The Bethel of Woods Hole undertook a ministry to facilities providing
mental health rehabilitation services in the Falmouth, Massachusetts area
in late 1990. This was prompted by requests from consumers of these services
and the enjoyable experiences we were having visiting a friend at Fairwinds,
a newly opened mental health clubhouse in Falmouth. Conversations with the
director there and with the director of a new group residence for people
receiving rehabilitation services led to the establishment of a regular
visiting program, "cookie ministry," birthday and holiday cards,
and postcards throughout the year.
In addition to weekly visits for coffee, cookies and conversation we have
been able to arrange special events such as sailboat outings, an annual
community clean-up project along the Shining Sea Bikeway near the Saltpond
Areas Bird Sanctuaries in Falmouth, and visits of residents and staff to
our homes and other programs of the Bethel.
One of our members was asked to serve on the Community Advisory Board of
a group residence; another was hired as a mental health counselor and continues
to work in the mental disabilities field. There is a great need for creative
and dedicated people in this profession, and participation in a volunteer
mission like that of the Bethel can provide a valuable introduction.
Locations of mental health rehabilitation programs may be found in the Directory
of Clubhouse Programs published by the International Center for Clubhouse
Development, Fountain House, 425 West 47th Street, New York, NY 10036.