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Helping People Help Themselves
Fairweather Lodge is a housing and employment program that enhances the
lives of adults with a mental health disability. The Fairweather Lodge Program
(FWL) was established in San Antonio in 1977.
The basic idea or philosophy behind Fairweather Lodge is the concept of group
process dynamics. In the Lodge Program, the group has tremendous power in shaping
and changing behavior by identifying inappropriate behavior. The Program
enables and empowers the group to make decisions, become responsible and thus develop
ownership in the program that makes them independent. The most important components
of the Lodge Program are social support and gainful employment.
A lodge is a home where residents establish their own support system which
enables them to maintain an independent existence in the community. The members
attend group meetings where they learn problem solving skills, living skills,
leadership skills, and develop group decision making. It is a unique environment
where they live as a family unit. It provides norms and peer support.
The goal of the lodge is to create a family atmosphere where there is love,
caring, concern for another's problems and welfare, understanding, and a feeling
of belonging. Unlike other programs, the members become part of the community as
a family. This becomes their home without a time limit being placed on their stay.
The members (not staff) are responsible for maintaining the lodge. The operation
of the lodge demands that procedures and roles be developed to handle meal
preparation, grocery shopping, paying bills, chores, medication and work.
Fairweather Lodge is not for everyone. Members must have a mental health
disability; they must be voted on by the group, willing to work 15-20 hours
a week, go to school or volunteer, be medication compliant, drug and alcohol free
for 30 days, and willing to live with others. When the above factors are met,
there is a great chance for success. Many years of experience has shown this to
be a truly marvelous community program in which everyone benefits from the success.
Fairweather Lodge Programs
P. O. Box 27039 San Antonio, TX 78227
Voice Line: (210) 208-5700
Fax Lines: (210) 645-7319
Email: fwlprogrammgr@saum.org