Stability Over Crisis: A Compassionate Model for Schizophrenia Care

This conversation reveals the benefit of long-term residential care for adults with schizophrenia spectrum disorders through the experiences of Board Chair Mary Ellen Stuart and Executive Director Mindy Andrews of the John Henry Foundation. They candidly share the challenges faced by individuals living with schizophrenia and the transformative power of a supportive community approach.

The Human Connection
At John Henry Foundation there is a genuine connection between the leadership and residents. As Mindy explains, "I love 42 people living with schizophrenia. They have my heart." This level of commitment creates an environment where residents are treated with dignity and respect.
Mary Ellen, whose brother was a resident, shares how the foundation became a lifeline for her family: "We all know that that's work that needs to be done... to provide the best care that we possibly can for our residents and for their families, so that they can have a life that is fulfilling."

Daily Courage and Resilience
Both women highlight the extraordinary courage residents display in their daily lives. Mary Ellen notes, "The things that they do every single day are harder, I think, than what a lot of CEOs do." From making their beds to participating in community activities while battling symptoms like paranoia and auditory hallucinations, residents demonstrate remarkable resilience.

A Model Worth Replicating
With 36 years of success, the John Henry Foundation offers a proven model for schizophrenia care that deserves wider implementation. As Mary Ellen states, "Everybody who comes says we need to have a John Henry Foundation in every single county because there's such a need."
The foundation's approach combines experienced medical teams, dedicated staff, and family support to create a stable environment where residents can thrive rather than merely survive. This comprehensive care prevents hospitalizations, incarceration, and homelessness—all at a fraction of the cost of emergency interventions.

Funding Challenges
Despite their success, securing adequate funding remains a significant challenge. Current reimbursement rates for board and care facilities are woefully inadequate, and even new initiatives like California's Prop 1 haven't reached effective programs like the John Henry Foundation.
As Mindy emphasizes, "People living with schizophrenia spectrum disorders deserve better than what we're doing. And what we're doing is surprisingly little aside from emergency response.