The History of Parents’ Foundation and Staying True to Your Mission
- Kyleigh Marrero
- Jun 17
- 2 min read
Growing with the times while honoring our founders' vision and remaining true to who we are,
without feeling pressured to follow fleeting trends.
Our History
Parents’ Foundation was born out of the united efforts of families, adults struggling with mental illness, and mental health professionals who recognized a critical gap in residential care. At the time, the only available options were institutional settings—far from the warm, supportive environments their loved ones needed.
Our founders envisioned something different: a true home where residents could move toward greater independence, self-expression, and a fulfilling life.
For many founding parents, peace of mind was paramount—not just for their loved ones, but for themselves, knowing their sons and daughters would have a permanent, caring, and supportive home throughout their adult lives. Meanwhile, the mental health professionals who helped establish Parents’ Foundation deeply understood the need for ongoing supervision, stability, and structured support to prevent the cycle of hospitalization and crisis intervention.
By replacing that cycle with a nurturing home environment—rich in peer and professional support, goal planning, and encouragement—our founders set a new standard. Here, residents would have a real opportunity to build full, happy, and productive lives. They would progress toward increasing levels of independence, always with a strong safety net of individualized support to help them thrive in the broader community.
And that vision became a reality.
Our Growth Since the Beginning
The outcomes our founders envisioned in 1992 are still being realized today as we approach our 33rd year. While our model has evolved to meet the changing needs of our residents and reflect advances in mental health care, our mission remains steadfast.
We continue to offer families relief and residents hope by providing the services essential for success, growth, and community integration. We embrace an individualized approach to care because, just as our founders recognized, mental health support is never one-size-fits-all.
Supporting families and educating our community remain top priorities. It is a privilege to celebrate the achievements of those who have been with us since our earliest days at 100 Broadway, as well as those who have transitioned into independent living “Off-Broadway.” As we welcome new residents into our community, we are honored to continue carrying forward our name, our knowledge, and our commitment to making a difference.
Staying True to Who We Are
It’s easy to lose sight of your identity when trying to keep up with trends or constantly striving to meet external expectations. The pressure to chase what’s new, adapt to what others are doing, or shift direction to appear relevant can quickly blur your original purpose and values.
At Parents’ Foundation, we remain grounded in our history. Our commitment to our mission has never wavered. We honor our roots in many ways—whether through the preservation of our original hand-painted furniture pieces, the lasting relationships we maintain with our founders and providers, or the deep connections we continue to build with families. These elements have played an integral role in shaping who we are today, and they will continue to guide us as we move forward.
Through growth and change, we remain committed to our purpose: to provide individuals with serious mental illness a supportive living environment where they can live and grow.
