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The Fish Story Recently Released

Diocesan Press Service. March 5, 1968 [63-9]

THE FISH STORY, a recently released television documentary, is not about minnows, sharks, tuna or flipper, but about an organization, FISH, through which people help people in need.

One hundred years ago, such efforts wouldn't need any organization and wouldn't be news. In our increasingly alienated and mechanized society, however, where neighbor does not know neighbor, it is news. Several newspapers and magazines have carried stories about THE FISH; the American founder of the organization, the Rev. Robert L. Howell, has appeared on two national television shows, and a documentary on the work of FISH will soon be seen on television stations across the country.

THE FISH STORY tells of how FISH works and something of its history. It also shows several FISH members at work: taking care of children when their mother had to leave home unexpectedly; helping a victim of arthritis by transporting her for treatment; reading to a blind man in a Jewish home for the aged and providing meals.

Calls for such help are generally taken by an answering service and the FISH member on duty is alerted. The member then returns the call, determines what needs to be done, and sees that help is given.

Little organization is needed, for help is given, in most cases, on a once-only basis. Persons with long-term needs or serious psychological or medical problems, for example, are referred to professional agencies. This also means that FISH is a low-budget operation. Money for minimal operating costs and an emergency fund comes either from dues or from contributions by area churches. Despite the simplicity of the organization, it has proved an effective means for allowing members to express their concern for others.

The history of THE FISH in America began in Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, West Springfield, Mass. A parishioner of that church had seen FISH in operation while in Old Headington, Oxford, England and he told his rector, Father Howell, of its work.

After a period of preparation, members of the congregation committed themselves to serving as part of FISH. From there the idea spread to neighboring communities in Massachusetts and Connecticut and throughout the country. In the process, it became ecumenical in sponsorship and members come from all age groups, all religious persuasions and all racial and ethnic groups. Recently, FISH has gone beyond the boundaries of England and the United States and can be found in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

The television documentary was produced by the Division of Radio and Television of the Executive Council in cooperation with the Diocese of Connecticut and WHNB-TV (NBC) Hartford. It was on that station that the program had its premier. Bob Bray, Episcopal layman and general manager of WHNB, was executive producer.

THE FISH STORY will be available to television stations free of charge after April 1 and for audio-visual use later this year.