Significant Milestones in Fellowship Place’s 60 Year History

The Fellowship Place story is a tribute to volunteerism and strong partnerships between the public and private sectors. The agency’s accomplishments were made possible by local, state, and federal funding, corporate and foundation support, and private individuals who gave their time, expertise, and charitable donations to sustain the agency’s mission. Working together with our many partners, the agency has evolved from a Monday night social to a multi-purpose, community based mental health agency serving over 800 people a year.

1960
Moday Evening Social Program
Phyllis McDowell, Dr. Jules Coleman, Ann Southwick, and many other volunteers established a Monday evening social program for individuals living with mental illness at the Jewish Community Center (JCC) on Chapel Street in New Haven.
1974
Clinical Care & Social Rehabilitation
Jim Rascati, Evening Program Coordinator at the CT Mental Health Center, begins to bridge the gap between clinical care and Social Rehabilitation by bringing his clients to Fellowship’s Monday night program.
1976
Coping Skills Program
Fellowship Place receives its first grant from the CT Dept. of Mental Health & Addiction Services to develop a Coping Skills program.
1977
2 Days a Week
Fellowship Place opens 2 days a week as well as Monday nights.
1986
441 Elm Street
With advocacy & support from community leaders, Fellowship acquires space at 441 Elm Street. The agency is open 5 days a week.
1995
Supported Employment Program
Fellowship Place launches a Supported Employment program to help adults living with mental illness find competitive employment.
1996
Fellowship Place Campus
Fellowship Place purchases 3 parcels of land from the Hald family, including 5 buildings and parking areas, which ultimately become the Fellowship Place campus.
1997
Prgram for Homeless
The Fellowship Inn, a daytime drop-in program for the homeless is established on campus.
2000
Permanent Supported Housing
Fellowship Place purchases 3 apartment buildings located next door to the campus, and develops these properties as Permanent Supported Housing for homeless mentally ill individuals.
2005
7 Days a Week
Fellowship Place opens 7 days a week.
2007
CREST
Fellowship Place partners with the Connection Inc. and the CT Mental Health Center to establish CREST, a community day reporting and engagement center for individuals with mental illness involved in the criminal justice system.
2007
Renovate & Improve
A Master Plan to renovate & improve the campus in 4 phases is launched with groundbreaking on future Phyllis McDowell Center.
2008
Phyllis McDowell Center Opens
The Center houses the Computer Learning Center and offices for Supported Housing staff.
2009
Supported Housing Program Expands
Fellowship Commons Whalley opens. The fully renovated building includes 18 one-bedroom apartments, bringing the total number of housing units available at Fellowship Place up to 42.
2009
Supported Education Program
Fellowship Place launches a Supported Education program to help individuals living with mental illness complete their education.
2012
Grand Opening of Social Rehab Center
Grand opening of the new Social Rehab Center – Phase 2 of the Campus Master Plan. The new Center makes program expansion possible, including Expressive Arts therapy, a new Food Service training program, and a full daily schedule of recreational and skill building activities.
2016
Grand opening of the Birgitta Johnson Building
Grand opening of the Birgitta Johnson Building, Phase 3 of the Campus Master Plan. The new building improves and expands the agency’s capacity to serve the homeless during daytime hours.
2019
Phase 4 Completed
Phase 4 of the Campus Master Plan is completed with the opening of a new Maintenance & Storage building.
2019
Neighborhood Builders Award
Fellowship Place is awarded a Neighborhood Builders award from Bank of America and was recognized for Organizational Leadership by The Consultation Center.
2021
Homeless Services Expands
The Fellowship Inn Daytime drop-in center for the homeless expands hours of operation to include weekends in response to growing number of homeless individuals living in encampments or couch hopping.

The Fellowship Club’s first home was in the basement of the Jewish Community Center (JCC) on Chapel Street. The group met on Monday nights for coffee, dances, and other leisure activities. Over time, the Club added programs, expanded its hours of operation, and eventually moved to Fellowship Place’s current location on Elm Street in New Haven.

Today, over sixty years later, Fellowship Place is a rich vibrant community that continues to evolve and meet the changing needs of people suffering from mental illness in the Greater New Haven area.

Employer Matching Gift Programs

Many employers offer Matching Gift programs that will match charitable contributions made by their employees, board members, and spouses.

This is a great way to maximize the impact of your donation. Connect with your employer’s HR dept. to find out if they offer such a program. If your employer uses a matching gift form, complete the form and send it along with your donation check to the following address:

Fellowship Place Inc.
441 Elm St
New Haven, CT 06511
Attn: Fundraising

If your employer uses a third-party online platform for matching gifts, kindly reach out to Melissa Holroyd, Director of Development, via email at mholroyd@fellowshipplace.org for assistance ensuring your donation is directed to Fellowship Place as per your preferences.

Significant Milestones in Fellowship Place’s 60 Year History

1960

1974

1976

1977

1986

1995

1996

1997

2000

2005

2007

2007

2008

2009

2009

2012

2016

2019

2019

2021

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