Programs For People, Inc. (PFP) located in Framingham, MA was founded to serve low income adults who are recovering from mental illness. It is a totally self-supporting agency, and does not receive funds from the Department of Mental Health. Its services are comprehensively designed to prevent or shorten psychiatric hospitalization, teach selfmanagement and coping skills, assist with activities of daily living, offer vocational opportunities to promote successful employment, and help those served to achieve their own personal goals for a more successful life. There is no other agency like it within the MetroWest Area.

Unfortunately, the stigma of mental illness can be as painful to endure as the disease itself, and in some instances may even prevent someone from being hired. For this reason PFP is committed to ending the stigma of mental illness through community education and through the way in which its services are provided, as not only problems but strengths are emphasized and built upon, as a result clients feel more able to engage in all aspects of life with greater success. The following programs are offered:

Framingham Day Hospital is a full-day program for those who need more treatment than weekly therapy appointments but less than hospitalization. Some clients transition into the program after being hospitalized while others utilize its services to develop skills to increase their ability to manage daily life in the community. Employment Services include a wide range of opportunities that help clients prepare themselves for employment, including ongoing support in order to increase their chances of not only obtaining but keeping a job. The Lunch Box is an onsite, food service business at PFP for those who are not quite ready for job placement in the community but need a “real” paid-work experience along with extra support to overcome any psychological issues that might get in the way during future employment. Project Advance is a training and placement program for those who are ready for work. It emphasizes choice of career, resume development, improving interview skills, and learning how to manage difficult situations on the job. In many cases, jobs are located for clients according to their own, individual needs.