$12M Gift Transforms Mental Health Support Worldwide

Quick Smiles:

• A generous $12 million donation from MacKenzie Scott boosts a unique mental health organization.
• Fountain House’s innovative approach helps redefine mental health support.
• The Clubhouse movement, inspired by Fountain House, now spans over 300 facilities worldwide.

In a world where mental health is increasingly in the spotlight, a remarkable initiative is making waves with a fresh approach to support and healing.

Thanks to a significant donation from MacKenzie Scott, Fountain House in New York is poised to expand its transformative work, offering a brighter future to those navigating mental health challenges.

Fountain House’s philosophy is built on the belief that a psychiatric diagnosis is just one part of a person’s identity.

By shifting the focus away from illness alone, they enrich the lives of their members through meaningful activities, social connections, and improved quality of life.

The origins of Fountain House trace back to the late 1940s when psychiatric patients at Rockland State Hospital in Orangeburg, New York, formed a self-help club.

After their release, these individuals sought to recreate this supportive environment outside the hospital walls.

They established ‘We Are Not Alone’ or ‘WANA’, initially meeting on the steps of the New York Public Library.

In 1948, philanthropic efforts led to the purchase of a permanent home, a red brick building on West 47th Street, known as “Fountain House.”

Over time, Fountain House evolved, particularly under the leadership of John Beard, who became executive director in 1955.

Beard expanded the facility’s hours and actively involved members in its operations, fostering a sense of ownership and community.

This approach led to a profound transformation in both the organization and the self-image of its members.

Today, Fountain House boasts around 1,400 active members and operates a second location in the Bronx.

Remarkably, a third of its members have experienced homelessness at some point in their lives.

Fountain House’s model has inspired the global Clubhouse movement, with over 300 facilities worldwide, and is used by more than 60,000 people with serious mental illness in the U.S.

William Hilburn, the current Chairman of the Board, expressed his gratitude for the unexpected $12 million gift from Ms. Scott.

“We are thrilled to be recognized by MacKenzie Scott and have her as part of the network of foundations and individuals that recognize the urgent need to change how we support those most impacted by serious mental illness, and Fountain House’s life-changing work.”

The donation marks a significant milestone for Fountain House, underscoring the importance of their mission and the impact of their work in the mental health community.

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