Celebrating 34 Years of Mental Health Housing, Community Support, and Independence
- Kyleigh Marrero
- 29 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Sharing Our Story on CT Buzz
As part of our 34th anniversary celebration, Executive Director Tahnesha Bonner and Director of Admissions & Outreach Kyleigh Marrero recently joined CT Buzz to reflect on the history of Parents' Foundation and the journey that has brought us to where we are today.
Parents' Foundation was founded in 1992 by a small group of parents and mental health professionals who recognized a need for something that was largely missing at the time: a place where adults living with mental illness could build stable, fulfilling lives beyond treatment. They envisioned a home where people could develop independence, form meaningful relationships, and have the support needed to pursue their personal goals.
More than three decades later, that original vision continues to shape our work. While much has changed over the years, our commitment to providing a place where individuals can grow, connect, and thrive remains at the heart of everything we do.
The People Who Have Helped Shape Our Story
One of the themes that emerged during the CT Buzz conversation was the incredible role others have played in helping Parents' Foundation grow.
From the earliest days, local residents, businesses, artists, volunteers, and professionals stepped forward to help bring our founders' vision to life. When the residence first opened, community members transformed donated furniture into colorful works of art, helping create a warm and welcoming home rather than an institutional setting.
That same spirit is still present today.
Throughout the years, we've been fortunate to work with talented individuals who have shared their skills, knowledge, and time with our residents. Whether through creative arts, wellness programs, educational workshops, life skills training, recreation, or health-related services, these contributions have helped enrich daily life in countless ways.
Many of the experiences residents enjoy today exist because someone was willing to share a passion, teach a skill, or simply show up and get involved.
Looking Toward the Future
As we celebrate this milestone, we're also thinking about what comes next.
One of the greatest strengths of Parents' Foundation has always been the people who believe in our mission and find ways to contribute their unique talents. We have seen firsthand how powerful it can be when someone shares their expertise, introduces a new activity, or creates an experience that helps residents discover new interests and abilities.
We are always interested in connecting with individuals, businesses, and organizations that are looking for meaningful ways to give back. Whether your background is in the arts, education, health and wellness, technology, finance, trades, recreation, or another field entirely, there may be opportunities to get involved.
The partnerships we have built over the years have had a lasting impact, and we are incredibly grateful for the relationships that continue to help our residents learn, explore, and grow. They also reflect something that has been true since the very beginning: Parents' Foundation was never meant to stand alone. It was built on the idea that when people come together, they can create something far greater than any one individual could accomplish on their own.
As we enter our 34th year, we remain grateful for everyone who has been part of our story and excited about the new connections still to come.
