Who
can join?
The
Friendship Network is open to adults, 20 years or older,
suffering from schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, depression
or other personality or mood disorder. We accept applicants
from the five boroughs of New York, Nassau, Suffolk, and
Westchester Counties and Northern New Jersey. All applicants
should be in therapy and /or taking their prescribed medication(s),
and be either employed, in a day program or volunteering.
Applicants must discuss this program with his/her psychiatrist,
psychologist, and/or social worker and obtain approval.
When there is a question pertaining to the status of recovery
( i.e., the member is not in compliance with the criteria
for membership) Alice or Berna may consult with his/her
therapist.
How
can you join?
Each
applicant must complete a detailed application, summarizing
their background, hobbies, interests and other relevant
information. All members must sign a release, permitting
Alice and Berna to speak with their therapist at any time,
should a problem arise pertaining to socialization.
After
completing the application, applicants mail it along with
a nonrefundable application fee of $25.00 to the Friendship
Network. When accepted, a membership fee will be determined
on a sliding scale basis. The semi-annual fee is $250.00,
which covers up to eight introductions within a six month
period. This fee covers mailing, telephone and administration
costs, etc. For those unable to afford the $250.00
fee, cases will be determined on an individual basis.
For
the membership fee, the Friendship Network will provide
up to eight introductions within six months. If more
than eight appropriate people are available for an introduction,
the member will receive more. If there is an insufficient
number, the clock stops until the member gets that which
was promised. Additionally, the clock stops when you
are not feeling well enough to meet new people.
After
receiving your application, Alice and Berna call to discuss
the application with you, personally. They discuss
your hobbies and interests, and try to determine the type
of person you would like to meet. If necessary, they
meet with you individually. Because Alice and Berna
are not professionals, when confronted with a problem, they
consult with a Certified Social Worker, who is always ready
to advise, guide and help.
Contributions
to the Friendship Network help provide full or partial scholarships
for those with no alternative resources, when funding permits.
No one is rejected due to inability to pay the semi-annual
fee.
To
become a member or to request more information contact
Alice or Berna by e-mail:
