Wallyhood reader Kimberly C. writes:
With all the discussion going on about homelessness and Wallingford, I thought maybe it would be nice to feature some of the organizations in Wallingford that provide services to the homeless. The ones I know about are: FamilyWorks/Solid Ground and the 45th Street Clinic. Perhaps a volunteer profile as well? Seems like a lot of interest in what is being done locally and organizations to support other than SHARE.
Thanks, Kimberly
We thought this was a grand idea, and so we wanted to take some time and do a little research to profile each of the organizations in Wallingford that provides services to the homeless community. Our plan is to run each profile in a mutli-part series, and provide volunteer information for each organization. The holidays and cold weather are fast approaching and this is a great time to help those who are in need.
Wallingford House
The Wallingford House located at 4122 Stone Way North, is a clubhouse that specializes in working with those who suffer from mental illness. The clubhouse is devoted to helping people rebuild their self-esteem and confidence by providing members with daily tasks to help introduce them to a working environment.
According to Lucile Hammond at Wallingford House:
The Wallingford House is a unique program based on an approach called the clubhouse model that is widely used in the United States and internationally. As a participant in the clubhouse, you are called a member, rather than a client or a patient. The focus is on strengths and goals, not on mental illness. Work in the clubhouse consists of an array of choices. Whether it’s working in the kitchen, greeting people at the reception desk, doing data entry, or reaching out to former members, this work provides needed healing on the road to recovery.
We currently are working to find more of our members jobs within the community through our transitional employment program, which offers employers motivated individuals for entry level, part time jobs. There are many benefits for an employer including 100% free absence coverage, free training, and ongoing support from our Employment Managers, such as myself. These jobs are time limited–lasting about 6 to 9 months. This is a way we get our members back in the community and into the natural rhythm or working again while building their resume at the same time.
Since the Wallingford House is short of staff, volunteer opportunities are always available. They are especially seeking volunteers who are either computer-savvy, know their way around the kitchen, are able to tutor clubhouse members, or have fund raising knowledge to join the Advisory Board.
To volunteer, please contact Lucile Hammond, 206-545-8626 or [email protected].
