Event to shine light on Hope Clubhouse employment program

Hope springs from opportunity. Hope Clubhouse is excited to showcase its new work placement initiative for people who’ve faced a mental illness at its Annual Mental Health Luncheon, scheduled for 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 29 at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theater on 1380 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers.

Attorney Kelly L. Fayer of The Law Offices of Kelly L. Fayer, P.A. will serve as event chair and state Rep. Heather Fitzenhagen will be the honorary chair for the luncheon, which will have the theme of “Faces of Hope at Work.” It’s designed to spotlight the organization’s job placement efforts through the new Hope Works LLC, which connects employers to Hope Clubhouse members, who in turn provide dedicated, reliable and immediate work.

“What’s nice about this is it’s a win-win, because the employer can have a person who really cares and wants to do a great job,” Fitzenhagen said. “They can benefit because the Hope Clubhouse member is going to do a job that someone else might not want to do, and do it well, and with a great deal of pride.”

Fitzenhagen was motivated to get involved after hearing attorney Sawyer Smith’s eloquent speech at the luncheon last year, when he revealed his struggle with mental illness.

“Positive mental health is the gateway to positive community,” Fitzenhagen said.

Fayer has been involved on the luncheon’s host committee and as a sponsor for years, and she can provide personal testimony for Hope Clubhouse job placement services, having previously hired Hope Clubhouse members to work in her law office.

“These are people who understand the value of a job, and they work harder as a result of it,” Fayer said. “I’m excited for the community to see just what they can do.”

Luncheon sponsorship packages are available. Event proceeds benefit the programs and services at Hope Clubhouse. Call 239-900-4200 for more information.