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| Members of the REI Program in New Bedford participated in a one-on-one ping pong tournament. |
FHR members participate in new Recreational Endeavor Initiative at FHR New Bedford
New Bedford, MA – February 13, 2012 - Fellowship Health Resources, Inc. (FHR) has been working with local organizations to offer members an interactive program named, the Recreational Endeavor Initiative (REI).
REI members meet every Thursday from 2:30-4 p.m. to participate in activities throughout the community. Working alongside a local clubhouse, FHR initiated this program after a request from the Department of Mental Health (DMH). This program promotes wellness, movement, and involvement in the community.
Rehab & Recovery Group Program Coordinator Jennifer Lima says that staff donates their time to coordinate this program. Voluntary staff and persons served participate in cooking classes, “Karaoke Idol,” pool tournaments, board games and other activities. “We’re trying to engage people who don’t always get out enough,” says Lima. “We ask persons served what they want and we are trying to organize activities for everyone on a weekly basis.”
REI uses local businesses such as the local bowling alley, Wonder Bowl, to stage these activities. “We’re interacting in the community and hoping that these activities will spark a feeling of enjoyment that may have been lost long ago,” says Lima. FHR, with support from the New Bedford DMH and a local clubhouse, coordinates these activities and arranges transportation for all who wish to participate in weekly events.
To coincide with FHR’s creative recovery model, Studio 35, FHR will continue to look for more activities to add to the REI program. “We’re encouraging people to move, eat well, and do healthy things,” says Lima. “We had so many people show up for the healthy cooking class and the bowling trip that we recruited more staff members to come along and help on those days.”
The positive reactions from everyone involved have inspired staff to continue looking for ways of attracting new participants. Some future activities already in the works include a Studio 35 art class and tours around the New Bedford community.
For more information about the REI program, please contact Jennifer Lima at 508-951-3513.