Written By Craig MacCormack
Staff Writer, Framingham Tab
Date: November 7, 2003
Stephanie Harris is one of the lucky ones.
Unlike a lot of the 100 or so people who come to the Programs For People office on Lincoln Street regularly, Harris will be spending Thanksgiving with her family.
Still, Harris can’t wait for the 29th annual turkey dinner with her friends at Programs For People, at least as long as she doesn’t have to eat any cranberry sauce.
“I enjoy it very much,” said Harris, 33, of the annual food fest prepared by the staff from donations from all over town. “It’s a very beautiful thing they do for us every year.
“It gives those who don’t have family a chance to be part of a family with the people in the program, and those who spend Thanksgiving with their families can enjoy this day with their extended family,” she said.
The annual dinner is a highlight on everyone’s calendar at the adult day treatment and rehabilitation center founded in 1974 by Iris Carroll, who still serves as its director.
Carroll sees the program’s mission as helping people deal with their mental health issues by getting and giving them treatment while also assisting in reestablishing the clients into everyday society.
“I saw how difficult it was for people with mental health problems and how stigmatized they are by some people,” said Carroll, who is part of the food service team for the annual dinner.
Bob Charpentier (Employee Services Manager) said the day-long event is “relaxing,” and includes a continental breakfast and games and other fun activities in the afternoon in addition to the traditional turkey dinner.
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A karaoke machine could be brought in for some live entertainment, said Charpentier.
All attendees to the dinner will get gifts and poinsettias, the traditional plants of the holiday season.
“There’s a real need for all people to feel closer to each other,” said Charpentier (Employment Services Manager). “This lets them feel like they’re a part of something valuable. It’s become a tradition, something everyone really looks forward to.
“For our population, they don’t always have a lot of close family, so Thanksgiving can be a little tough for them. We have a real family atmosphere here, and it becomes especially noticeable on that day,” he said.
As a small, non-profit organization with 12 employees, Programs For People relies on donations to help make its Thanksgiving dinner a hit. Among the top contributors to this year are BJ’s, Panera Bread, Roche Bros., Sam’s Club, Stop & Shop and Whole Foods Market.
The day is an example of the programs motto: “Small Enough to Care”...
The dinner, said Harris, gives her a chance “to get together with all my friends in the program and spend some time with them.”
The program itself provides her with “a safe place to be and a chance to vent on my issues. It’s a chance to open up, which is something very special to me. I know these people care and want to help me out.”
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