BRIEF HISTORY OF THE ORGANIZATION

As a result of deinstitutionalization, Fellowship House was founded in 1973 through a Community Support Program grant awarded to the Mental Health Association of Dade County. Patterned after the clubhouse model, it soon became independently incorporated and was designated as a demonstration project for the State of Florida by the National Institute of Mental Health. In the more than 31 years since its inception, Fellowship House has expanded to include vocational, social, employment, case management, outpatient services and residential programs; serving approximately 850 members (recipients of service) annually. Fellowship House is widely recognized as a model for psychosocial rehabilitation. It has exceeded mandatory compliance and has been recognized for its strengths and exemplary conformance to standards by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). It is currently accredited in Behavioral Health for PsychoSocial Rehabilitation programs in the areas of Case Management, Community-Based Rehabilitation, Community Housing, Outpatient Treatment and Community Employment services and Community Integration. Our outpatient treatment and community integration programs are also accredited for integrated treatment for individuals with co-occuring mental health & substance abuse disorders.

MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION

It is the mission of Fellowship House to assist adults with severe and persistent psychiatric disabilities and individuals that also have co-occurring substance abuse disorders, achieve the maximum level of community integration and self reliance. This is accomplished by providing a comprehensive continuum of programs and services offering supportive opportunities for vocational and social rehabilitation as well as residential options, psychiatric and case management services. Fellowship House is committed to helping the persons served, who are called “members”, to better understand their illness, develop coping strategies, improve their quality of life and experience recovery.

AREA AND POPULATION SERVED

Fellowship House is a private, not-for-profit psychosocial rehabilitation center for individuals who experience severe and persistent psychiatric disabilities including those with co-occurring substance abuse disorders. Most of our consumers (members) are disabled by schizophrenia, bi-polar disorders, or major depression. The area served is Dade and Monroe Counties.

PSYCHO-SOCIAL REHABILITATION

The goal of this program is to provide members with long term supportive opportunities to enhance their social, interpersonal and vocational skills in order to live successfully in the community. Staff and members plan, organize and participate in a wide variety of activities that occur throughout the week, evenings, weekends and holidays. The program is focused on meaningful and productive activities. It is designed to promote the redevelopment or restoration of basic living skills as well as break the cycle of social isolation experienced by individuals suffering from severe psychiatric disabilities.

COMMUNITY EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

Offers a variety of employment interventions to meet individual rehabilitation goals and assists members to obtain and maintain jobs in the community. The employment staff assist with; job skill assessment and planning, job development, job placement, job coaching, work-site accommodations, and on-going supportive follow along services. In addition, staff work with the employers to ensure that their business needs are being addressed and that the worker is able to perform the tasks of the job. The goal of this service is to provide individualized supportive services that will assist the member to achieve successful employment outcomes.

OUTPATIENT SERVICES

Assists members with mental health treatment and therapeutic services. Services include; consultation and evaluation, medication management, treatment plan review, individual and group therapy. The goal of psychotherapeutic services is to increase insight about coping with psychiatric disabilities and prevention of relapse. Specialized services are also provided to
individuals with co-occuring disorders to prevent a crisis or psychiatric decompensation.

CASE MANAGEMENT

Case managers are trained to assess, coordinate, advocate and plan for services as indicated in the client's individualized service plan and assessment. These services may include: psychiatric, health care, substance abuse, housing, education, vocational training, resources and entitlements, legal, transportation and other supportive services as necessary. The goal is to ensure an improvement in the client's quality of life and their autonomy. These services are provided in the location that meets the needs of the clients. Case managers also coordinate crisis services as needed.

COMMUNITY HOUSING SERVICES

Fellowship House offers a continuum of residential settings ranging from highly supervised group homes to more independent satellite apartments. All residences are integrated into the community. The members are assisted with skills associated with daily living, i.e. education regarding self-care living skills, interpersonal communication, personal hygiene, grooming and tenant living skills. Staff give the residents the support and assistance necessary to help individuals become increasingly independent in community living. The goal is to provide safe, secure and affordable housing to the individuals served.

COMPASS TRACT

The goal of the COMPASS tract is to provide members who have a forensic history with the services and support to manage their mental illness and to promote positive opportunities. Members in COMPASS receive an array of services including Case
Management, Psycho-Social Rehabilitation and Group Therapy. COMPASS groups help members learn effective symptom management and healthy coping skills. Groups can also provide an opportunity for members to develop their interpersonal skills so they can build supportive peer relationships. COMPASS stands for “Creating Opportunities for Meaningful and Productive Activities and Self Sufficiency” which is the ultimate goal of the services.

ADDICTION RECOVERY TRACT

The Addictions Recovery Tract (ART) provides psycho-social rehabilitation and outpatient services to individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders. The ART welcomes individuals with such needs and promotes empathic, hopeful and continuous relationships in an integrated treatment setting. Members who meet criteria are also eligible for the other services provided by the agency.

HEALTH REFERENCES REFERRALS

Fellowship House recognizes the importance of integrating primary health care with comprehensive psycho-social services. Referrals for on-site health care are provided for a variety of services. They include medical, laboratory services and a Clozaril Clinic.
 

WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT US?

Call 667-1036 and ask for the Intake Department. We will be happy to assist.