Helping Adults with Mental Illness

By Michael Cobb 

A lively crowd gathered at Michael Selleck’s house on Greenwoods Road East on Sept. 16 to raise money for Prime Time House, a mental health organization based in Torrington that helps adults with mental illness find employment, education, housing and support. Guests were greeted by volunteers from Prime Time House, ushered into a large white frame tent and served refreshments donated by Heidi Forler and the Norfolk Pub.

Norfolk artist Turi Rostad welcomed the group and explained why Prime Time House is an organization close to her heart. Rostad had created eight star paintings titled “Hidden Stars” to be auctioned at the fundraiser.

“I became aware of Prime Time House many years ago,” Rostad said, “and during the last 10 years I became involved with the organization. I was one of several artists featured at a fundraiser in 2017. As I learned more about the many great things they do, I decided I could do more. The idea for this fundraiser started to form over the pandemic. I was excited to help create more visibility and raise funds for the organization.”

 “Prime Time House stands out for me because of the direct services it provides and the value it puts on its clients, enabling them to lead healthy, productive and independent lives. They are a resource for anyone experiencing a mental health issue, and the community should know the organization as one that uses the donations it receives to the fullest,” she added.

Rostad created the paintings at East Coast Lightning Equipment in Torrington, which is owned by Norfolk residents Jen and Mark Morgan.

As he conducted the auction, John Fernandez wove in poignant, real-life stories about people who depend on Prime Time House. A skilled public speaker, Fernandez kept the pace swift and encouraged the bidding on Rostad’s paintings. The auction, ticket sales and donations raised a total of $19,400.  “The Norfolk fundraiser was successful beyond my wildest dreams because of the generosity of the Norfolk Community,” Rostad commented. 

Prime Time House helps combat loneliness, which is one of the greatest needs of those living with mental illness, and builds community through its Clubhouse program. Members form friendships, learn new skills, regain feelings of self-worth, participate in holistic wellness activities and achieve personal recovery goals. The Clubhouse is free to anyone with severe and persistent mental illness living in Northwest Connecticut.

Though partially funded by the State of Connecticut, Prime Time House relies on donations for 44 percent of its operating budget. Contributions help fund daily lunches, a food pantry, recreation, transportation, holistic wellness programs such as art therapy and trauma-informed yoga, targeted assistance with housing and education goals and holiday meals. The Adopt-a-Family program helps members living on a limited income buy holiday gifts for family members.

Every year Prime Time has a pop-up shop called Prime Finds Home for the Holidays. The shop sells donated gently used furniture, home decor and holiday items at reasonable prices. This year’s shop will be held at Lourdes of Litchfield, from Nov. 18 through Dec. 29. The event is staffed by volunteers, with all proceeds benefiting the organization’s mental health programs.