Meet the James P Harrington Organization at Ferry Hill

Resident Feature - Marshfield Neighbors - By Bonnie Owens | Photos courtesy of Diana Scolponeti

JPH at Ferry Hill is Forging a New Trail

Situated on nine acres of trails and grounds overlooking the marshes of the South River is a property containing a historic post and beam barn, quaint cottage, pool, and community center. This special spot is a place so many Marshfield residents remember fondly as the old YWCA or Ferry Hill. Today, it is home to the James P. Harrington Organization (JPH) at Ferry Hill; a nurturing and inclusive community dedicated to wellness, healing, and transformation. Founded in September 2022 by a group of families, the organization aims to support their community while preserving and protecting the unique property. JPHis so much more than a summer camp today. The community there is forging a new trail that uses its tranquil and serene environment for new year-round programs and events for people of all ages.

Diana Scolponeti is a board member and executive director of JPH. "My husband John and I have been involved with the Ferry Hill property for many years," she says. Their kids attended YWCA camp there when they were young. Then, Diana's husband began volunteering there over 12 years ago and eventually they became the caretakers. "I joke that my husband is the caretaker that could never leave as he is always pulled back into taking care of the property," she says. Caring for the property is a big part of their lives as a family. "We love it there so much and believe that the property deserves to be at its best for all the years it has been there," says Diana.

VOLUNTEERS WORKING TO REHAB THE STUNNING PROPERTY AT JPH AT FERRY HILL.

New programs at JPH promote healing, wellness, and community connection. Director of development and board member Beth Winn describes this new direction as starting organically out of a deep personal need. "My first experience at JPH was a meeting with a small group of women outside on the property (during Covid,) in an effort to help a mother in town who was having a difficult time. It was one of the first official support groups that grew in the next few years to include several hundred women, says Beth. That growth is what inspired the organization to offer further programming. Says Diana, "That is how we got into this. Basically we saw how badly help was needed for people emotionally during and after Covid." New programming includes: mother's exhaustion and support programs; women's recovery and wellness support groups; women's healthcare worker support programs; anxiety support; monthly community meditation; community dinners; youth wellness retreats and workshops; yoga programs; community qigong; open art studios; and wellness retreats.

STEVE MCPECK, DAN SHEEHAN, AND JOHN SCOLPONETI HAVING FUN WHILE WORKING ON THE JPH PROPERTY.

JPH's family wellness platform has served over 2,000 families on the South Shore. One person who was pivotal in enabling JPH to reach so many new people was board member Matt Giles who helped to reorganize Ferry Hill into JPH. He loves that he can, "help a very worthwhile organization develop and grow and serve the community; get to interact with great people who care about others and provide valuable services to the community at large" he says.

The organization has over 30 professionals that work in the mental health field or the holistic field, including board member and program and events director Katie Sheerin. Katie is a former nurse who graduated with a BSN from Northeastern University.

She has worked in health and wellness for over 8 years and is a boxing fitness instructor. Says Katie, "I am passionate about women's health and empowering women and families to practice self-care and self-love." She is just one of many dedicated team members focused on determining the best programs for the community and securing the necessary resources.

Community dinners and youth wellness retreats have beer favorite programs. "We have loved watching the community use our space to connect and heal. We are thrilled to see children learning mindfulness techniques in a fun and engaging way especlally after the disruption they experienced during the pandemic," says Diana. JPH recognizes the importance of building connections and a sense of belonging among

individuals. Their space allows people to meet new like-minded individuals seeking a conscious way of being.

Paid wellness programming pays for some operating expenses at JPH, but new funding primarily comes from community grants, private donations, and revenue generated through various programs and events. Volunteers play a vital role in the success of JPH. They are actively seeking individuals with professional experience in areas such as business, landscaping, hospitality, events, and volunteer management. "We think of Ferry Hill as a collective home and we take care of the property with our community so it creates a family vibe. We also have to learn to navigate differences of opinions on how to do things so there is a lot of collaborative problem solving and mutual goal setting which forms very strong bonds with our volunteers and teams, says Diana.

Some of those goals include considerable efforts in repairing and improving the Ferry Hill property. Major repairs have been made, like roof replacement insulation, installation of a year-round heating system, floor repairs, interior painting, and repairing and replacing various structures on the property. This has enabled year-round use of the facilities. "I am in awe of the transformation of the property. It has desperately needed to be revitalized and improved. On a daily basis. I feel such an extreme level of gratitude to all of those who are supporting this project, says Diana.

One of those supporters is Tom Welch, board president. "I grew up in Marshfield and when my family had difficult times, we were supported by really wonderful people, says Tom. That inspired him to become involved with Community Christmas, drive seniors to appointments through Sowing Seeds, deliver "Meals on Wheels, and volunteer at Carolina Shelter. When Diana approached him about JPH it was a definite. "The Scolponetis and my family were friends and we discussed our family history and how we both had siblings with mental health struggles. Diana explained to me the mission for JPH when I was donating artwork, [and] I definitely wanted to be involved," he says.

Tom is not alone. "What I get out of this is inspiration through the amazing IPH team to help people through life struggles. I have witnessed family and friends struggle

through stressful life situations and mental illness especially after the pandemic.

It means everything to me to help, in any way I can, says Sue Wentworth, board

member. Sue attended the Inner Light Women's Retreat in June. Another upcoming public event is "The Crane Dinner" on October 7th. That is a new fundraising event that hosts a dinner in that picturesque barn on the river's edge. Thousands of origami crates are being folded with messages of intentions and wellness inscribed inside. The cranes will hang above the dinner tables at the reception. Tickets for that event can be purchased on their website www.jphcommunity.org starting in September.

If you attend, don't be surprised to find yourself returning to JPH in some other capacity. They have a tendency to bring out the best in people there. Says Tom, "I am excited that we are building an even bigger community of support. Now some of the people that we have helped early on are helping new people in the community and that is a beautiful aspect of the JPH culture that I am passionate about."