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The purpose of this blog is to spread the news of an incredible and under-utilized community mental health model known as the “Fairweather Lodge.” (The “Lodge” model, sometimes known as the “Community Lodge,” is often referred to as the “Fairweather Lodge” in reference to the late George W. Bill Fairweather, who developed the model in the early 1960s.)

2021 George W. (Bill) Fairweather Innovation Award

Posted by: CCL Web Admin

2021-11-02 12:59

A Post by John K. Trepp

Perham 180, in Perham, Minnesota was created in 2018, using Fairweather and CCL principles, to assist folks struggling with housing, employment and recovery. Many Perham 180 residents have poor work histories – not the type of folks most employers are willing to hire. But Darrin and Aimie took the time to meet with, and more importantly, to listen to the Perham 180 residents, to see past their previous struggles, and to recognize their potential as employees. This led to Kit Master & Swan Machine "relaxing" some of their hiring standards and becoming more flexible regarding scheduled hours, e.g., not immediately requiring 40 hours per week from people who had been out of the workforce. And even when some have struggled after beginning their employment, Kit Master & Swan Machine has shown extraordinary understanding, empathy, and encouragement.

CCL's R.E.A.L John Trepp (right) and Perham 180's Hannah Fredrickson (in pink) present the 2021 GEORGE W. (BILL) FAIRWEATHER INNOVATION AWARD to President Darrin Swanson and HR Director Aimie Hallberg (center) of Kit Master & Swan Machine. (Also pictured are some of the Perham 180 residents employed by Kit Master & Swan.)

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Total: 3 Comment(s)

CCL Web Admin

Note from John: After the ceremony, I had an opportunity to chat with one of the Perham 180 residents employed by Kit Master & Swan. He told me that he had wanted to quit about a dozen times during his first month of employment -- but with the encouragement of his co-workers at Kit Master & Swan and folks at Perham 180, he kept at it. Now, several months later, he is finishing his G.E.D., which will make him eligible for a promotion.

Tuesday, November 2, 2021 · reply · 0 0

The link below is to a newspaper article in the Perham Focus about the partnership between Kit Masters/Swan Machine and Perham 180 https://www.perhamfocus.com/community/7233630-Kit-Masters-Swan-Machine-win-national-award-for-partnership-with-Perham-180

Colleen Stuart

What a fabulous story. Congratulations to Perham 180 Lodge Members and Kit Master Swan! True role models and champions for our members! Colleen Stuart

Wednesday, November 10, 2021 · reply · 0 0

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