Our Why - The Heart of Our Work
Wellness Begins with a Place to Call Home
Wellness Begins with a Place to Call Home
Our Why -The Heart of Our Work
The Wendellman Foundation was born out of both an urgent community need and a deeply personal journey.
My daughter, Ashley, was diagnosed with moderate depression, bipolar disorder II, and severe psychosis. Like so many others living with complex mental health conditions, Ashley’s diagnosis has profoundly affected her ability to manage everyday life—from navigating emotions and routines to building relationships and gaining independence.
As Ashley navigates adulthood, she is courageously learning how to function with greater independence—supported by in-home care services, therapeutic interventions, and a structured, compassionate environment. Watching her struggle and grow has opened my eyes to a painful truth: too many individuals like Ashley are left without access to safe, stable housing and the support systems they need to truly thrive.
For many, homelessness or housing insecurity is a direct consequence of untreated or unsupported mental illness. Without a safe place to live, recovery becomes nearly impossible. Without home care or supportive services, daily life can be overwhelming. And without human connection, stigma takes root—and people become invisible.
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Wellness Begins with a Place to Call Home
Housing First, Recovery Follows
For many, homelessness or housing insecurity is a direct consequence of untreated or unsupported mental illness. Without a safe place to live, recovery becomes nearly impossible. Without home care or supportive services, daily life can be overwhelming. And without human connection, stigma takes root—and people become invisible.
Too often, those facing these challenges are failed by systems that lack consistency, compassion, and the infrastructure required for lasting wellness. We came to understand that housing is not a reward for recovery—it is the foundation of it.
Beyond shelter, what’s desperately needed is access to trauma-informed environments, comprehensive in-home care, and meaningful human connection. We created the Wendellman Foundation to meet that need—not just to provide a roof over one’s head, but to offer a path to independence, dignity, and belonging.
Belonging, Dignity and Independence
Providing Safe, Stable Housing for Healing, Autonomy and a Fulfilling Life
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Wellness Begins with a Place to Call Home
Wendellman - Why We Serve
We believe that housing is not just shelter—it is stability, safety, and self-respect. When combined with individualized care and community, it becomes a catalyst for healing, autonomy, and a fulfilling life.
Our mission is clear: to ensure that people living with mental health disorders—whether depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or PTSD—are never forced to choose between survival and dignity. Every person deserves a secure home, compassionate care, and the opportunity to build genuine, stigma-free connections.
Ashley’s journey continues to inspire and guide our work. Her strength fuels our commitment to building trauma-informed, person-centered housing solutions that empower individuals to live full, independent lives—free from shame, fear, or isolation.
That’s why we created the Wendellman Foundation:
- To provide safe, stable housing in both multifamily and individual residences—because a secure home is the foundation for recovery.
- To deliver wraparound home care services that support mental, emotional, and physical well-being—because healing requires more than just shelter.
- To foster social connection and community—so that no one has to navigate their mental health journey alone.
Wellness Begins with a Place to Call Home
Our Purpose - Addressing Housing Gaps
The Wendellman Foundation exists to ensure that individuals living with serious mental health disorders, veterans with PTSD, and justice-involved persons have access to safe, supportive, and stigma-free environments. We address the critical gaps in housing, in-home care, and wellness resources, empowering our communities to thrive. Inspired by lived experiences and a deep commitment to dignity, connection, and long-term recovery, our work transforms lives by fostering stability, independence, and belonging—creating a world where everyone has the opportunity to heal, grow, and flourish.
Our model is rooted in compassion, clinical best practices, and a deep respect for lived experience. We are committed to building trauma-informed environments where every resident feels seen, heard, and supported.
We envision a world where mental illness is not a barrier to independence or quality of life—a world where individuals are empowered to lead fulfilling lives free from stigma, free from isolation, and full of possibility.
This nonprofit exists because everyone deserves that chance—and because real recovery starts with real stability.
Real Recovery
Real recovery is about more than healing — it’s rebuilding purpose, independence, and hope for a meaningful life beyond diagnosis.
Real Stability
Real stability means having a safe, consistent environment and reliable support that enables lasting wellness and independence.
Empowering Lives
Your contribution goes beyond meeting basic needs—it empowers individuals to reclaim their independence and dignity. By supporting vital programs like safe housing, education, job training, and mental health services, you’re helping individuals build a sustainable future.
Driving Change - Beyond The Expected
How Wendellman Drives Change
At the Wendellman Foundation, we are driven by compassion, dignity, and the belief that recovery is possible when the right support is in place. Here’s why we do this work:
Healing Starts with a Safe Home
Because Healing Starts with a Safe Home: Recovery cannot begin in chaos. Many individuals with serious mental illness or PTSD struggle without stable housing. We provide safe, stigma-free homes where healing and stability can take root.
No One Should Face Mental Illness Alone
Because No One Should Face Mental Illness Alone: Isolation and stigma make suffering even harder. We build supportive communities where people are seen, heard, and never left to struggle in silence.
Compassionate Care Should Be Accessible to All
Because Compassionate Care Should Be Accessible to All: Too often, quality mental health care and daily support are out of reach. We deliver trauma-informed, person-centered care—so individuals can regain independence and dignity.
Families Need Support Too
Because Families Need Support Too: Caregivers carry an invisible burden. We walk alongside families, offering resources, guidance, and relief as they care for their loved ones.
Stigma Still Silences Millions
Because Stigma Still Silences Millions: Fear and misunderstanding keep people from seeking help. We educate, advocate, and challenge the systems that perpetuate discrimination and neglect.
Recovery is Possible—with the Right Support
Because Recovery is Possible—with the Right Support: With stable housing, education, community, and compassionate care, people don’t just survive—they thrive. We believe in their potential, even when others do not.
Safe Homes, Stronger Futures
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