History A Mission for One…A Hope for All

After the Fosters’ daughter, Louise, was born with Cerebral Palsy in 1937, the Fosters sought treatment options for Louise beyond institutionalization or a life of isolation in their home. Using the medical skills Wendell observed as a cook in a military hospital during World War II, the Fosters opened their home for seven children with disabilities, forming a home and school founded in 1947. They performed therapies in their backyard, and relied on the generosity of the Owensboro community to remain operational. Word spread throughout the country about a revolutionary facility for people with disabilities in Owensboro, Ky., and the number of children in the Fosters’ care grew. Renowned broadcaster Paul Harvey even felt compelled to share a special broadcast on the home and school, bringing awareness to our services.

The 1970s brought many changes for our organization. During this time, evolving government regulations required significant updates to the buildings on campus. The organization was forced to undergo renovations to comply with the new standards, crucial for securing federal reimbursements through Medicare and Medicaid. Facing a precarious financial situation, the center worked tirelessly to navigate these challenges while maintaining quality services for individuals with disabilities. When special education was federally mandated in the U.S. in 1975, there was no longer a need to provide K-12 instruction on our campus, as clients began attending classes in our local public schools. It was also during this period that our organization was formally named Wendell Foster, to honor the legacy of the Foster family.

In the 1980s, Wendell Foster expanded therapy services through the newly built Green Outpatient Therapy Facility. In 1997, Wendell Foster’s therapy programs became recognized as a Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Facility (CORF), allowing us to provide outpatient therapy to those in the community. The 1990s and early 2000s brought more residential options with the addition of Independent Living and Supports for Community Living (SCL) homes. In 2002, an expanded Intermediate Care Facility was constructed, providing a home and 24-hour support to 63 people with moderate to severe disabilities

In 2011, we formally adopted the person-centered methodology in our treatment of individuals with disabilities. Our person-centered approach focuses on understanding not just what is important for the people we serve, but also what is important to them. We honor each person’s unique preferences, whether it’s pursuing hobbies, achieving personal goals, or maintaining daily routines.

Today, our goal of empowering every person’s journey remains at the forefront of all we do at Wendell Foster. Just as the Fosters had an unwavering vision for their daughter, our organization has a hope for all people with disabilities to realize their dreams and potential. In 2025, we provided over 103,000 services in the areas of outpatient therapies, residential living, community programs, and assistive technology.