Wendell Foster, Inc.

Wendell Foster, Inc. Wendell Foster, a private 501(c)(3) non-profit, is a multi-service agency that specializes in supporting children and adults with developmental disabilities.

Our mission to empower people with disabilities to realize their dreams and potential. Wendell Foster's vision is to be the region's resource for those with disabilities. 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 as an economic driver in the region seriously. In 2017, Wendell Foster was voted “Best Places 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 76th year of continuous operation. Wendell Foster has evolved into a community-based organization providing services on-site, in people’s homes, in the area school systems, and in community settings.

Today, we're spotlighting Linda's communication! 🗣️Linda uses an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device...
03/26/2026

Today, we're spotlighting Linda's communication! 🗣️

Linda uses an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device that utilizes eye gaze technology. She wears a reflective dot on her nose that connects to a camera on the device, following her movements. After looking at a letter or word on her device for a certain amount of time, the device verbalizes the word she has chosen.

Linda is always up for a chat using her communication device, and loves to start conversations with new friends! She especially loves talking about what's new at Wendell Foster, and wants to be involved as much as she can. Linda even gave a speech to our Board of Directors last month, where she presented about her experience since moving to Wendell Foster in November. We love that Linda uses her voice to be an advocate for herself and others! 🩵

👀 Spot SightingOur friend Spot was hanging out in a wide hallway today. Wider doorways and hallways help ensure people u...
03/25/2026

👀 Spot Sighting

Our friend Spot was hanging out in a wide hallway today. Wider doorways and hallways help ensure people using wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility devices can move through spaces safely and comfortably.

Thoughtful design choices like this help create places that are more welcoming, inclusive, and accessible for everyone. Because when buildings are designed with accessibility in mind, more people can move through them with ease and independence.

In today’s , we’re exploring how independence can look different from person to person.Misconception: Independence mean...
03/25/2026

In today’s , we’re exploring how independence can look different from person to person.

Misconception: Independence means doing everything on your own.

Reality: Independence is not one-size-fits-all. For many people, supports, adaptive tools, or assistance are what help make independence possible.

It’s also important to remember that not every person with a disability needs help, and support should never be assumed. Asking before offering assistance shows respect and gives each person the space to decide what works best for them.

We're spotlighting Corey's strength! 💪Three years ago, Corey made the decision to invest more time in his health and wel...
03/24/2026

We're spotlighting Corey's strength! 💪

Three years ago, Corey made the decision to invest more time in his health and wellness. Since then, he has been going to IRON Jungle Family Fitness once a week with Jennifer, our Director of Behavioral Services. With Jennifer’s support, Corey works on building strength and improving range of motion through weight training. 🏋️‍♂️

Over time, Corey has become a familiar face at IRON Jungle and has made new friends along the way. His gym sessions have become one of the highlights of his week! We're so proud of Corey for his dedication to his health. 💙

One of our favorite events returns in just a MONTH!The Whitesville Lions Club Chili Supper & Pie Auction is back on Apri...
03/24/2026

One of our favorite events returns in just a MONTH!

The Whitesville Lions Club Chili Supper & Pie Auction is back on April 24th at 6 pm! Our friends at the Lions Club host this event each year to support Wendell Foster and Puzzle Pieces. We’re looking forward to seeing all the delicious pies, desserts, and baked goods available during the auction! 😋 A big thank-you to the Whitesville Lions Club for their longtime support of our mission 💙

Interested in donating a pie or other dessert? Baked goods may be dropped off at the Senior Citizen Center before 4 p.m. on the day of the Pie Auction.

👀 Spot Sighting!Spot was spotted near an adult changing table today! While many public restrooms include changing tables...
03/23/2026

👀 Spot Sighting!

Spot was spotted near an adult changing table today! While many public restrooms include changing tables for babies, adults and older children with disabilities may also need a safe and sanitary place for personal care.

Adult changing tables provide the space and support caregivers need while helping preserve dignity, comfort, and respect for the individual. The changing table pictured is located in the assisted changing room at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital and serves as a meaningful resource in our community.

Thoughtful additions like this help create more inclusive spaces for people of all ages and abilities. 🐾 We’re so thankful to our friends at Owensboro Health for providing this much-needed addition and helping make our community more accessible for everyone.

👀 Spot Sighting!Spot was spotted near an accessible parking space today. These spaces provide extra room for wheelchair ...
03/20/2026

👀 Spot Sighting!

Spot was spotted near an accessible parking space today. These spaces provide extra room for wheelchair ramps and mobility devices, helping people safely enter and exit their vehicles. Some individuals with limited mobility also need a closer parking space for easier access to the building.

It’s also important to remember that not all disabilities are visible. Many individuals who use accessible parking may have conditions that aren’t immediately noticeable.

Respecting these spaces helps ensure everyone can access the places they need to go. A little awareness and consideration can make a big difference in creating a more inclusive community. 🫶

In honor of World Behavior Analysis Day, we’re taking a moment to spotlight an important reminder about behavior for tod...
03/20/2026

In honor of World Behavior Analysis Day, we’re taking a moment to spotlight an important reminder about behavior for today’s .

Misconception: Challenging behaviors are intentional or “bad.”

Reality: Behavior is communication. It can reflect unmet needs, frustration, sensory overload, or a lack of accessible communication—but it can also express excitement, joy, or other positive emotions, too.

At Wendell Foster, our Registered Behavior Technicians and Board Certified Behavior Analysts work closely with residents to help them regulate their emotions and respond in ways that are positive, safe, and meaningful. By focusing on understanding the “why” behind behavior, they help turn moments of frustration into opportunities for growth and connection. 🤝

Instead of making assumptions, let’s lead with empathy—taking the time to understand the meaning behind a behavior and what it may be communicating for that individual. Every action tells a story; let’s choose to listen. 👂

We're spotting abilities in our Occupational Therapy department! 👏Samantha, a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (...
03/19/2026

We're spotting abilities in our Occupational Therapy department! 👏

Samantha, a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA/L) at Wendell Foster, spotted Jay's ability to be helpful. Each week, he volunteers in the OT department as part of his therapy sessions. He helps out with tasks like shredding paper, where can also practice functional skills.

Samantha also spotted John's ability to be creative. He wanted to thank his staff in Cottage A with a sweet treat in honor of St. Patrick's Day. 🍀 He baked a cheesecake in his OT session and chose the dessert's color, marshmallows, and sprinkles.

We love these abilities! We challenge you to keep spotting abilities in others today! 💙

What does it really mean to support someone’s independence? In our series, we’re challenging common myths about disabi...
03/19/2026

What does it really mean to support someone’s independence? In our series, we’re challenging common myths about disability and sharing the truth.

Misconception: Keeping people safe means limiting their choices.

Reality: Everyone deserves the dignity of risk. Growth, confidence, and independence come from being allowed to try, fail, and learn.

When people are trusted to make choices and try new experiences, they gain confidence and independence. Let’s move beyond assumptions and support opportunities for growth. Help us in every person. 🩵

Voting is open online now through Friday! ✨ We’d be honored if you took a moment to pick us in these categories:💼 Wendel...
03/18/2026

Voting is open online now through Friday! ✨ We’d be honored if you took a moment to pick us in these categories:

💼 Wendell Foster for Best Place to Work
💙 Wendell Foster for Best Nonprofit
🏅 Wendell Foster Half Marathon & 5K for Best Running Race
❤️ Wendell Foster Half Marathon & 5K for Best Charity Event

You can vote once per day:
🔗 tinyurl.com/bestofowb

Address

815 Triplett Street
Owensboro, KY
42303

Opening Hours

Monday 7:30am - 4pm
Tuesday 7:30am - 4pm
Wednesday 7:30am - 4pm
Thursday 7:30am - 4pm
Friday 7:30am - 4pm

Telephone

+12706834517

Website

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