Fountain House is organized into units responsible for the daily operation of the clubhouse. For many new members, joining one of these units presents a first opportunity to ease into the world of work and social interaction. Working in the units allows members not only to develop job skills, but to perform real work that is valued by the Fountain House community. Members regain a sense of self-worth and often find -- for the first time in a long time -- that they are wanted, needed and valued.
Clerical Unit
Right now, this is the only place in the city that can use me. I'm expected here every day, and that's what's important to all of us. Here, you are really needed. It's a new experience for me to have something worthwhile to do every day. Here, they give you a chance to do things you never did before.
Fountain House member
Located on the fourth floor of Fountain House, the Clerical Unit is a favorite of many members as it provides exposure to a large cross-section of activities. The unit's responsibilities include:
- publishing Fountain House Today and Fountain House Weekly, daily and weekly newsletters written by the community
- preparing bulk mailings
- assisting the Accounting Office with bookkeeping, member banking, accounting and filing;
- providing in-agency messenger service
- operating the switchboard
- serving as the in-house copy center.
First Floor Unit
The First Floor Unit is another major area of member responsibility for the daily operation of Fountain House. Members belonging to the unit:
- greet other members and guests
- provide front door security
- run the reception desk
- process incoming mail
- operate the coat and supply rooms
- provide intake and orientation services for new members and staff
Horticulture
The Horticulture Unit plays an important role in helping make Fountain House the attractive and welcoming environment that it is. Members of the unit:
- maintain and grow indoor and outdoor plants
- purchase and arrange cut flowers for placement throughout Fountain House and its residences
- design and hang dried flower decorations
- assume responsibility for all holiday and special event decorations
- serve as partners in the planning and implementation of gardening and agriculture projects at High Point Farm.
Dining Room
Every day, the Dining Room provides approximately 250 low-cost, nutritious lunches to members, many of whom survive on small incomes and rely on Fountain House for meals. Members in the Dining Room:
- prepare meals
- order and purchase food and supplies
- wait on tables
- plan and prepare Evening and Weekend Program meals
- plan holiday celebrations and special events
Snack Bar
The Snack Bar provides approximately 100 breakfasts, lunches and snacks per day. Its cafe-style environment is located on the fifth floor of Fountain House, where members can relax and socialize while taking in spectacular views of mid-town Manhattan.
Interpreters' Corner
Located in the Snack Bar mezzanine, the Interpreters' Corner is comprised of deaf and hard of hearing members and with two Sign Language Interpreters, who work throughout the clubhouse with deaf members in various units. The Interpreters' Corner is reponsible for:
- interpretting morning and afternoon unit meetings
- assisting deaf members in pursuit of TEPs or educational opportunities
- helping new deaf members become connected and comfortable within their units
- hosting a monthly “Deaf Night Out”
- organizing a twice yearly “Silent Weekend” at Highpoint Farm
- providing various types of advocacy for deaf members in the community when appropriate services have not be established by local hospitals, schools, Federal and State offices
