Our Mission
Wendell Foster, a private 501(c)(3) non-profit, is a multi-service agency located in the heart of Owensboro, Kentucky. Wendell Foster serves over 2,000 people each year across 34 counties in Western Kentucky and Southern Indiana. Our services are known for supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. However, we are much more of a comprehensive service provider capable of supporting an array of individuals in need by offering outpatient therapy, residential living, community living, an assistive technology lending library, transportation services, and various support programs.
With over 350 “Difference Makers” on staff, Wendell Foster takes its impact seriously as an economic driver in the region. In 2017, Wendell Foster was voted “Best Place to Work” by the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. Wendell Foster’s core values reflect the selfless lifestyle of its founders, Edith and Wendell Foster.
In 1937, Edith and Wendell Foster’s daughter, Louise, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of 5 months old. Because of Louise, the Fosters committed their lives and opened their home to support children with developmental disabilities. The Fosters provided a residential option to children of seven local families and offered their home as a meeting place while children received therapy in the Fosters’ backyard. In 1947, a volunteer board of directors incorporated the agency, adopted a charter and by-laws, and officially founded the organization known today as “Wendell Foster.” This year, Wendell Foster celebrates its 75th year of continuous operation. Wendell Foster has evolved into community-based organization providing services on-site, in people’s homes, in the area school systems, and in community settings.
Wendell Foster still sits in the heart of Owensboro, Kentucky. Our campus has expanded greatly and now occupies six city blocks, with 240,000 square feet under the roof. For 75 years, Wendell Foster has provided care and support for those with disabilities in and around Owensboro. Wendell Foster has an expansive collection of services that support over 2,000 people with disabilities each year. Our services include: • Outpatient Therapy: Occupational, Physical, and Speech Therapy • Residential Living Support: 63 people reside in our Intermediate Care Facility and 4 in our Independent Living Homes. • Community Living Support: We assist approximately 40 people in our Supports for Community Living, Adult Foster Care, & Michelle P Waivers programs. • Technology and Resources: We offer device demonstrations, a free lending library, education, training, and a re-utilization program. • Community Transportation Program: Provide transportation for those with disabilities to and from physician appointments, services, etc. • Sensory Park – a fully accessible park used by those we serve, school children, and the community.
In 2021, Wendell Foster provided 95 people with a place to call home, 13,500 community transportation trips were given, and over 65,000 various services were provided to individuals with disabilities.
How Your Donations Help
- $1 empowers 1 person with developmental disabilities to reach their goals and potential in Kentucky
Our Impact
Because of your generosity, we are able to help thousands achieve their Yes! moments, just like Gary, Chloe, Emily, Denise, and Blakely. In 2021 alone, Wendell Foster provided more than 65,000 services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Wendell Foster
Yes! Moments are those times in your life where you pump your fist and say Yes! Perhaps it was graduating or getting married or the birth of a child or grandchild. For those we serve, Yes! Moments are a little different. With the help of our staff, Gary got to fly in a plane on a private tour!!!!!! Because of your generosity, we are able to help thousands achieve their Yes! moments, just like Chloe, Emily, Denise, and Blakely. In 2021 alone, Wendell Foster provided more than 65,000 services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Wendell Foster
Yes! Moments are those times in your life where you pump your fist and say Yes! Perhaps it was graduating or getting married or the birth of a child or grandchild. For those we serve, Yes! Moments are a little different. With the help of our staff, Chloe improved her fine motor skills , Blakely learned to swallow and communicate with her mom, Denise mastered speaking with her eyes allowing her to communicate with her family and Emily achieved her Yes! Moment by overcoming her fear of the outdoors and is now able to enjoy life in new ways. Like you, they achieved a milestone in their life. That’s a Yes! Moment.
Wendell Foster
Yes! Moments are those times in your life where you pump your fist and say Yes! Perhaps it was graduating or getting married or the birth of a child or grandchild. For those we serve, Yes! Moments are a little different. With the help of our staff, Chloe improved her fine motor skills , Blakely learned to swallow and communicate with her mom, Denise mastered speaking with her eyes allowing her to communicate with her family and Emily achieved her Yes! Moment by overcoming her fear of the outdoors and is now able to enjoy life in new ways. Like you, they achieved a milestone in their life. That’s a Yes! Moment.
Wendell Foster
Yes! Moments are those times in your life where you pump your fist and say Yes! Perhaps it was graduating or getting married or the birth of a child or grandchild. For those we serve, Yes! Moments are a little different. With the help of our staff, Chloe improved her fine motor skills , Blakely learned to swallow and communicate with her mom, Denise mastered speaking with her eyes allowing her to communicate with her family and Emily achieved her Yes! Moment by overcoming her fear of the outdoors and is now able to enjoy life in new ways. Like you, they achieved a milestone in their life. That’s a Yes! Moment.
Countries We Serve
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
For 75 years, Wendell Foster has provided care and support for those with disabilities in and around Owensboro, Kentucky. Wendell Foster has an expansive collection of services that support over 2,000 people with disabilities each year. In 2021, Wendell Foster provided 95 people with a place to call home, 13,500 community transportation trips were given, and over 65,000 various services were provided to individuals with disabilities.
