Our History
The New Foundation Center is a grass-roots organization.
In 1986, a handful of parents opened a clubhouse in Northfield where their adult children could get support in managing their mental illnesses. At the same time, they advocated politically to bring psychosocial rehabilitation and supportive housing to the north suburbs. These parents called their association WilPower, a name meant to capture the value of a “powerful” idea in Wilmette.
Over time, WilPower grew and changed.
We now serve more than 250 members, helping them live as independently as possible.
We offer many different coordinated services as part of our recovery program, from support groups and skill training to arts expression and social activities. More than 50 of our members live in permanent supported housing; 43% percentage work for local companies acting in partnership with us to enable supported employment. Our holistic program for health and wellness helps our members achieve and keep the physical health so necessary for mental health.
In 2009, we changed our name to New Foundation Center to reflect more accurately our role in helping people with mental illness live, work, and be well.
Our Philosophy
The people we serve are “members” who participate fully in their recovery. All members are treated with dignity and respect; each is challenged to grow and learn, to share and participate, and to live as independently as possible. We encourage the involvement of families.
The New Foundation Center is an equal opportunity service provider and does not discriminate because of race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, age, religion, sexual orientation, HIV status, language, socio-economic status, physical or mental handicap unrelated to an ability to participate in our programs, or unfavorable military discharge.
Our Service Delivery Model
The New Foundation Center follows a clubhouse model of psychiatric rehabilitation which complements the medical treatment models of traditional mental health centers. And, as a response to the mental health care needs of the local communities, we are more cost-effective and results-oriented than in-patient care.
Each member works with a case manager to develop a service plan; the case manager and member meet regularly to discuss and resolve any issues related to recovery and rehabilitation. A members’ council works with the program director to find and implement ways to continuously improve the center’s programs. Representatives to the council are elected by the full membership.
The center’s staff operates as a team that can include the case manager, a team leader, group facilitators, a Department of Rehabilitation Services counselor, a psychiatrist, therapists, a job coach, and family members. Participation of service providers from other agencies is welcome.