Charlie At Home In Flowers For Algernon

In the novel Flowers for Algernon, the main character Charlie has an intellectual disability. He struggles with making friends and having good relationships with his family. There are services out there that could be helpful to Charlie. Easterseals, The MENTOR Network, and Fountain House would be helpful to Charlie and his family. However, Fountain House would be most helpful because it has teaching programs. They will get an education and learn how to interact with others. Charlie wasn’t able to do this at home. He went to the Beekman College but couldn’t retain information well. It would also be helpful to Charlie’s family because it has multiple housing options.
Easterseals is a service that would be helpful to Charlie. In 1907 the Founder
of Easterseals, Edgar Allen, lost his son in a streetcar accident. “The lack of adequate medical services available to save his son prompted Allen to sell his business and begin a fund-raising campaign to build a hospital in his hometown of Elyria, Ohio.” (Easterseals History) He soon learned that children with disabilities were hidden from the world. This inspired him to create The National Society for Crippled Children, which will soon become known as Easterseals. The Agency aids adults, seniors, children, all genders, and returning war veterans. They have autism, mental health, and PTSD services. They want to change the way the world defines and views disability. This could be of help to Charlie and his family because Charlie could have a shadow and the Agency can teach his parents how to care for a child with disabilities. “…I livd with Uncle Herman along time…” (Keyes 6) They have a plan and a team for the family to help them every step of the way. The MENTOR Network is another service that could be of help to Charlie and his family. The MENTOR Network was founded in 1980 by a man named Byron Hensley. The MENTOR Network offers multiple services across the USA. They provide for youth and families at risk, youth with intellectual and development disabilities, adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, adults with brain and spinal cord injury, and elders in need of support. This agency wants “…to offer adults, children, and their families innovative and quality services and support that lead to growth and independence, regardless of the physical, intellectual, or behavioral challenges they face.” (The MENTOR Network Our Mission) “Boy was I serprised that it was a big room with green walls and lots of docters sitting around up high all around the room watching the operashun. I dint no it was going to be a show. (Keyes 13,14) The MENTOR Network could be a great place for Charlie because they could give him a MENTOR or a host home where he could live and be taken care of.
The Fountain House would be the best service for Charlie.
Established in 1948, this service was founded by six patients at Rockland State Hospital in Orangeburg, New York. The patients met at a hospital group. They shared their stories and became friends. After they were all discharged they decided to convene every week. They would meet at the steps of the New York Public Library. After talking it over they decided they wanted to help others. They soon would buy a building and call it the Fountain House. “In 1948, with help from their supporters, they bought a building in New York City. The fountain that adorned the “Clubhouse” garden at West 47th street represented both hope and rejuvenation and inspired the name ‘Fountain House’.” (Fountain House History) People must have a persevere mental health problem. To join the group you mist be at least 16 years of age. They will provide opportunities for their members to live, work, and learn, while contributing their talents through a community of mutual support. (Fountain House Mission) The agency had housing programs, whether in the fountain house residences, independent apartments, or with family and friends there will always be someone there to support and help them when they are in need. This agency would be best for Charlie. It could teach him how to interact with others. The Fountain House would also provide a place for Charlie to live. They can give him a job which could help pay for housing. This would teach him new
skills unlike what he did in the bakery. They could find what he is good at and make him great. The best part about the Fountain House is that they allow him to live, learn, and work within his own home.
There are many organizations out there that would have been of help off they were available back then. Easterseals and the MENTOR Network are great services. However, the Fountain House would be perfect for Charlie. With the multiple housing options and the education he could get he would succeed and shine as bright as the stars. Charlie’s life would have been very different if these were available to him. He could have still had a relationship with his family because he would have been getting the right care. These services can benefit many people in different ways. They would have a great chance at succeeding in life. They could have close relationships with their families. Charlie had to struggle without his family or friends by his side. These services are great and could change lives.