Contact: Colleen Roche/Brenda Pèrez (212) 788-2958
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today spoke at a Community Open House celebrating Fountain House's 50th Anniversary. Fountain House, a community support, housing and employment program for adults with mental illness, has been a pioneer, providing restorative services to more than 16,000 members over the past 50 years. In attendance were Fountain House Executive Director Kenneth J. Dudek, Board of Directors President Anette Hoegh Goelet, committee members, and honorary members.
"It is wonderful to be here at Fountain House with my friend Esther Montaņez for your Fiftieth Anniversary Community Celebration," Mayor Giuliani said. "The driving force behind all of your assistance is a genuine, truly compassionate desire to increase your clients' independence and self-sufficiency. You understand the fundamental importance of giving more and more New Yorkers and people around the world the chance to become active and contributing members of society, people who can pursue their true potential. You know that the path to real progress depends upon respecting people enough to give them control over their own lives."
Fountain House, the innovator of a worldwide network of community-based Clubhouses, traces its roots to the "We Are Not Alone" support group founded by a handful of former patients from state institutions.
Fountain House's Executive Director Kenneth J. Dudek said, "Fountain House started a revolution in the field of mental health and people all over the world have benefited. We are extremely proud of the work that we have accomplished over the past 50 years and look forward to continuing that good work for another 50."
Today's Open House included performances by local entertainers, dancing, food and refreshments donated by local restaurants, and an art show featuring works by Fountain House's members. Fountain House is located at 425 West 47th Street in Manhattan.