By Michelle Sentovich
What seemed to be a typical rainy day in April, turned into an extraordinary experience. Our class had the privilege of starting off our first of three site visits, at Programs for People in Framingham. We were met with smiles and visitor badges before taking a tour of the first floor. At first glance, the building itself was small, however the work they are accomplishing was anything but.
Programs for People and their dedicated team are working hard to help those struggling with mental health issues regain confidence and combat the stigma around mental illness. Ethan Harris, the Clinical Director and founding member, said it best, the “people [they serve] are a lot more than their diagnoses”.
For forty-six years, Harris and Programs for People have provided services to teach coping skills, maintain healthy relationships, manage emotions, learn vocational skills and assist, prepare, obtain and maintain employment. One of my favorite moments of the day was the Vocational Resource Room, standing in the doorway of a small room with three computers and a filing cabinet. Again, something that seemed simple and lackluster was brought to life by the meaning and purpose behind their vital work.
Mary Jane Kunkycky, an Employment Counselor and Vocational Coordinator introduced us to Project Advance. Just one of the many programs they offer, that in her words, “represents hope for a better quality of life”. A touch point that struck a chord with me was assisting in creating resumes and having a technology program, where they teach members computer skills for future endeavors. Helping those members become productive members of society builds back their self confidence.
As we approached the second floor, we were invited into the living room and their mentality. We were shown genuine interest in our work and they were eager to share the pride in their own.
“Mental Health doesn’t discriminate against social status” (Kunkycky) just one of the many facts impressed upon us. Most importantly, they strive to return dignity back those who were stripped of it. “Dispelling the stigma of mental health” (Laura Hughes, Administrative Director) is at the forefront of their mission and their work is a “true collaboration”. Through teamwork and collegiality, they work directly with those affected, the community and even other non profit organizations to achieve their overall goal. So, just like the foliage on their pamphlets, they are helping people turn over a new leaf and providing a rainbow after the rain, in the form of hope.
One of the things I love about our nonprofit giving class is how all of the decision making is collective. Programs for People was in my top five choices but didn’t originally make my top three. If it wasn’t for the input of my fellow students I would have never been able to experience such a wonderful organization and I’ve never been happier to be proven wrong. I’m not sure yet how our part of the story ends… whether it will be a fairytale with a happy ending or not. What I do know- regardless of the outcome, the effort is noble and Programs for People addresses the opportunity divide within a group of people who might otherwise be forgotten. The resilience within makes them superheroes and they are winners in my book.
