Pancake Breakfast to benefit Employment Options

MARLBOROUGH – Mmmm. There’s nothing like a big stack of fluffy pancakes for breakfast, especially when eating them is for a good cause. Those pouring syrup on their flapjacks Sunday, June 22 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 200 East Main St. will be enjoying freshly made cuisine while helping to raise funds for Employment Options Inc.’s Clubhouse. The nonprofit organization provides social, vocational and life skill-support for people with mental illnesses. A magician’s act, a raffle and door prizes will add to the morning festivities.

According to Anupa Shah, employment developer at Employment Options, the idea for a breakfast fund- raiser came from the Club house members. Shah explained that many of the members live off of fixed incomes and do not have the means to afford common recreational activities; they decided to hold a fund-raiser that would be slated for weekend group social outings.

The Clubhouse is set up for staff and members to provide a supportive means for people with mental illnesses to succeed and lead independent lives. Members are engaged in meaningful work experience, and each success is celebrated. Learning how to cope with illnesses such as major depression and schizophrenia, members are encouraged through either Clubhouse work, or transitional, supported or independent employment to make realistic progress.

Educational services, housing assistance and a family project initiative are additional programs that help members succeed. In terms of Employment Option’s daily aim, Shah said, “We look beyond the disabilities at the abilities and what the member can do.”

Kathy Ames is the education director and intake coordinator at Employment Options. She has seen how the clubhouse model fosters success. She witnessed a person coming into the program who did not initially get involved in activities. Staff and members reached out to him and he eventually was able to secure independent employment.

“I mean you saw a person who was just sitting in a corner and wasn’t really reacting. He did not have custody of his child, and now he has custody. It was a process over the year for that,” Ames said.

Skills developed through Employment Options will be put to use on the day of the pancake breakfast. Members will be on hand to assist with all tasks of the day. A 50/50 raffle event will enable both members and outside breakfast attendees to win. Scooters and gift certificates are among the raffle prizes donated to date. Additional raffle prizes are still needed. Those interested in adding to the pool of prizes can contact Toni Wolf at Employment Options.

An ongoing need of the organization is work-site opportunities for members. Business executives interested in partnering with Employment Options to provide jobs for members are invited to contact the organization.

Fund-raisers such as the pancake breakfast help the organization to meet budget needs. Tickets for the breakfast are $6 for general public, $3 for members, and $2 for children aged 12 and under. For more information about Employment Options Inc., call (508) 485-5051 or visit www.employmentoptions.org

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