For Immediate Release

Fellowship Place Dedicates New “Green” Building to Founder Phyllis McDowell

November 12, 2008, New Haven, CT – On Thursday, November 20, Fellowship Place will dedicate its newly finished building to its founder, Phyllis McDowell.   A dedication will take place at 8:30am at 441 Elm Street. 

Phyllis McDowell  started Fellowship Place in 1960 as a Monday night social program for people newly released from state institutions for the mentally ill.  The organization was inspired by and built on the model of The Fountain House in New York, a progressive “Club House” model of rehabilitation, where Phyllis’ father, the late dance icon Arthur Murray, was a loyal supporter.  Fellowship’s first home was in the basement of the New Haven Jewish Community Center on Chapel St., and in 1985, moved to its current location at 441 Elm St.

In 2004 Fellowship Place launched a Comprehensive Development Campaign to renovate and modernize overused structures and add additional programming space.  With the guidance of New Haven’s Charney Architects, Fellowship’s Board of Directors established a Campus Master Plan. The Campaign raised over $3 million, and included an allocation of State funding.  

The new building, to be named “The Phyllis McDowell Center” - serving as a computer center, housing office, and program meeting space - completes  Phase 1 of the long-term full campus renovation plan.  The new building is energy efficient and built with a geo-thermal heating and cooling system.

Fellowship’s Executive Director, Mary Guerrera, stated “Physical surroundings play an important role in how we learn, work, and play.  At Fellowship Place the Board of Directors and the staff are committed to making the campus a warm and inviting place where people will enjoy spending time.  Most importantly, we value safe, clean, bright, and modern spaces that are conducive to recovery and help people feel better about themselves. “

Entering its 49th year, Fellowship Place has grown from humble beginnings to an organization that annually serves over 600 adults living with chronic mental illness.  The agency offers programs 7 days a week, ranging from homeless engagement programs, to vocational training and placement, to supported housing services, and social and recreational activities.  Fellowship is devoted to helping its members return to a productive life in the community, and find meaningful and valuable roles in society.