Education, Empowerment and Advocacy
Knowledge is Power—Self-Advocacy is Freedom
Knowledge is power—self-advocacy is freedom
Education, Empowerment and Advocacy
The Wendellman Foundation’s strategic education initiatives equip individuals with knowledge of their diagnoses and practical tools to navigate care systems confidently. Through trauma-informed, inclusive programming, participants are supported in advocating for themselves and building independent, fulfilling lives grounded in self-determination and community connection.
Our Education and Empowerment program is an educational cohort-style programming specifically designed for individuals living with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, major or moderate depression, and Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome—structured around peer-supported, trauma-informed, and proven evidence-based models. Through a trauma-informed and person-centered approach, the program fosters self-understanding, resilience, and the ability to advocate for personal needs across healthcare, housing, employment, and community settings.
Knowledge is power—self-advocacy is freedom
Thrive Together Initiative
Our flagship program, the Thrive Together Initiative, is an 8–16 week mental health education cohorts designed and delivered by the Wendellman Foundation. Cohorts are co-facilitated by licensed clinicians and trained peer mentors, providing a balanced mix of professional guidance and lived-experience support. Participants engage in structured modules covering diagnosis awareness, trauma-informed emotional regulation, wellness planning, medication adherence, and coping strategies. The program is tailored to meet the needs of individuals and veterans living with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, major or moderate depression, and PTSD, empowering them to build understanding, resilience, and independence.
Thrive Together Program Framework
- Phase I—Psychoeducational Cohorts (8–16 weeks): Diagnoses are grouped separately (e.g., bipolar, schizophrenia, PTSD) with trauma-specific adaptations made for PTSD cohorts. Psychoeducation is one of the most robust evidence-based interventions, shown to reduce relapse, prevent hospitalization, and improve illness insight and coping across mental health conditions (including PTSD) Group CBT and psychoeducational formats for PTSD also produce moderate to large effect sizes in symptom reduction even without full exposure components
- Phase II—Trauma-Focused Group Therapy (CPT/PCT Modules, ~12 weeks): Evidence-based group Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) or Present-Centered Therapy (PCT) cohorts are offered to participants who opt for deeper PTSD-focused work. Group CPT demonstrates significant PTSD & depression symptom reduction (medium effect sizes: d ≈ 0.66–0.79), and meta-analyses show CPT outperforms control conditions with sustained gains up to follow-up periods
- Phase III—Peer-Led Wellness Cohorts (WHAM model): Open to residents regardless of diagnosis, these cohorts are peer-facilitated sessions that begin with 6 hours of instruction on wellness, stress reduction, goal setting, and health activation, followed by weekly 8-week group support. Peer-led WHAM significantly improves health activation, optimism, general health ratings, and employment outcomes for participants with serious mental illness or PTSD
- Supporting Cohorts—Peer Mentorship Aftercare: Resident leaders with lived experience provide ongoing peer support following program phases, facilitating retention, symptom management, and smooth transitions post-cohort. Peer support is especially effective for depression and PTSD alike, improving engagement and fostering identity and empowerment
The Thrive Together Initiative combines professional guidance with lived experience to help participants develop self-awareness, advocate for their mental health, and contribute to positive community change. This approach fosters lifelong empowerment, self-determination, and full social inclusion.
This trauma-informed, peer-enhanced initiative applies evidence-based frameworks to support individuals with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, and other mental health challenges. The program helps participants manage symptoms, foster recovery, and maintain long-term well-being.
Knowledge is power—self-advocacy is freedom
Our Cohort Model Benefits
Why the Wendellman Foundation adopted these Effective Frameworks?
The group format promotes shared learning, peer connection, and ongoing support in a safe, inclusive space.
- Psychoeducation fosters insight into diagnosis, relapse prevention, and improved adherence—shown to reduce hospitalization and recurrence across SMI and mood disorders
- Group PTSD interventions, such as CPT and group CBT, yield moderate to large reductions in PTSD and comorbid depression symptoms, even in cohort formats
- Peer-led wellness cohorts (WHAM) enhance self-management, hope, and functional outcomes—often outperforming usual care in trials
- Peer mentorship programs offer continuity of care, model recovery, and support relapse prevention and housing stability, especially for those with PTSD or chronic illness
Participants in the Wendellman Foundation programs experience measurable improvements in mental wellness, social connection, and overall quality of life. Through trauma-informed care, peer mentorship, and evidence-based interventions:
- Individuals with serious mental illness and PTSD demonstrate greater symptom management, reduced hospitalizations, and improved adherence to treatment.
- Engagement in peer-led groups and educational cohorts fosters hope, self-efficacy, and empowerment.
- Participation strengthens social connections, reduces isolation, and builds a sense of community and belonging.
- Residents develop critical life skills and coping strategies, supporting long-term independence and recovery.
Delivering Aid
1:1 Coaching/Peer Mentorship
Strengthen group learning through shared experiences and collaboration, while delivering personalized support tailored to each individual
Self-Paced, Digital Learning
Designed to empower adult independence—focusing on domestic skills, personal and digital safety, and computer/digital literacy
Life Skills Development
Aimed at empowering independence across four core areas: Self Care, Financial Literacy, Decision Making, and Healthy Relationships
Employment Readiness Program
Empower individuals through job search, resume writing, business dress attire, interview preparation, soft skills and workplace readiness
Your Support Matters
Hope Begins with Help
Join us to connect, heal, and find hope in a community providing serious mental health support. Experience a welcoming space that nurtures wellness, spiritual care, and belonging
Direct Support for Individuals and military veterans living with serious mental health disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Our team is dedicated to connecting you with the programs services and resources for immediate assistance
Join Our Efforts
Reach out to learn how you can make a direct impact on the lives and families.
+1(833)-331-9857
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Hope In Action Center News
Discover stories of change, updates on our work, and key milestones from our foundation — where every step moves us closer to providing stability, dignity, and hope for those living with serious mental health disorders