newfoundationcenter

In my 14 years here at New Foundation Center, I have seen so many changes, so much growth and unfortunately some sadness.  I’ve had the pleasure to work with an agency that hires talented and caring social workers.  I’ve witnessed myself grow, along with the agency from this experience.  I’ve also become somewhat of a celebrity. J  Since I’ve worked here, I’ve been on TV, in a movie and mentioned in a book!  Early on in my career with WilPower, I was asked to represent the agency on a local Glenview TV station.  The Office Manager at the time helped me “prepare” for this by acting as my agent.  She checked my outfit, hair and makeup and was there with me at the studio.  However, I don’t know if anyone actually saw the show!  I also have the distinction of appearing in the movie about our agency: “Unbreakable Minds”. 

“How We Got Barb Back, the Story of My Sister’s Reawakening after 30 Years of Schizophrenia", written by Margaret Hawkins, sister to one of my members, is the story of how an adult with severe, chronic, debilitating mental illness can live independently.  Margaret Hawkins is a professional writer who has also written two novels.  I feel honored to have been included in this book about how mental health services can make such a huge difference in someone’s life.  Margaret and I worked together to help her sister (who is agoraphobic, paranoid Schizophrenic, severely delusional and was not medicated) continue to live in her home that she has been unable to leave for over 30 years.  It would have been a disaster if we would have had to move her out of her home.  One of the great things about NFC is our ability to provide flexibility and individualized treatment plans that other agencies cannot provide.

I have seen many members progress beautifully in their recovery.  Some have been employed for long periods of time; some have gone back to school.  One of my fondest members is of Ezra S. who did not talk or interact with anyone when he first became a member.  But because of his continued attendance at our day program, he has developed communication skills.  He even performs at the Expressive Arts Festivals and is on Member’s Council.  One year at camp when he first joined WilPower, we were singing and telling jokes around the campfire.  Ezra surprised everyone when he began to laugh at the jokes and sing with the group, a monumental turnaround for him.

Part of my responsibilities were to facilitate the Family Support Group.  Through this experience, I’ve had the pleasure to meet and get to know many of the parents and families of our members.  We worked together to find resources to help their adult children continue working towards independence and recovery.

Katie Fields was a former WilPower music therapist who recognized the importance of self expression through the arts.  She introduced me to drumming.  This led to facilitating the Choir and Drum Groups which I now co-facilitate with a member.  Marc G has been co-facilitating Choir and Drumming with me for several years.  He is creative, talented and works very hard to make these groups enjoyable for all of us, the members and myself!

My 14 years at WilPower, now New Foundation Center, have been quite an experience.  Gail Fried (our wonderful and talented Art Therapist) has also been here 14 years..  But we can’t remember who started first.  We think it was me.  I hope we’re here at least another 14 years!

Wendy Trafny