Fountain of opportunity

At the age of 23, John* was diagnosed with a mental illness and admitted to the Lentegeur Psychiatric Hospital for treatment. When he was discharged from hospital he no longer had a job. His employer at the time claimed that he had “absconded from duty” and fired him.

Fountain House offered John the opportunity to get back on his feet. He worked in the paper making workshop unit for two years before moving on to the Transitional Employment Programme, which placed him on contract at Foschini, collecting boxes for recycling. He is now the supervisor of Siyakwazi, a project offering employment opportunities.

“Thanks to the skills development and mentoring I received at Fountain House, I am permanently employed in a managerial position and in one of the best phases of my life,” he said.

“I think having a disability myself makes me more understanding and patient. I treat the trainees with a lot more respect.”

Rene Minnies, the programme manager for Fountain House says: “We try and get our members to reach their dreams and their goals and we also support them in what they are really interested in.”

Businesses and residents from the Observatory community are urged to support Fountain House by employing members of the organisation or buying products and services.

For more information, please contact Fountain House on 021 447 7400.

*Not his real name