Mission & Vision
Our mission is to support children and adults with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities live as independently as possible, be included and involved in the community and to live their life to the fullest.
We envision a community in which people with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities are engaged fully and meaningfully in all aspects of community life.
How We Do It
WindSwell Foundation is elevating ideas that reimagine disability. But we couldn’t do it alone. As a grantmaking organization, we work with community partners who implement our vision on a practical level.
Our grants support nonprofit organizations with their programs, capital needs and operations, and fund opportunities that fit our priority initiatives and enhance the lives of people with disabilities. Then, like a seed carried on the wind, our partners carry our mission into their communities—with transformational results.
Our Initiatives
Education & Employment
Supporting access to educational resources and activities to be successful learners, both academically and in developing life skills, that offer individuals with disabilities equal opportunity for meaningful employment.
Transportation
Pursuing opportunities for accessible, affordable community transportation increasing access to locations throughout the community for individuals with disabilities.
Promoting Social Enrichment
Seeking inclusive and accessible social, recreational and creative programs that engage and inspire individuals with disabilities.
Early Diagnosis & System Navigation
Exploring programs that recognize and diagnose disabilities early to help achieve each individual pursue their highest potential, providing easy access and information to assist families and care givers, and gaining better understanding of effective therapies for individuals with disabilities.
Housing
Broadening opportunities for safe, secure and affordable housing that provides a variety of beneficial living environments for individuals with disabilities.
Our Guiding Principles
Our guiding principles bring our mission to life. While not the only factors in our decision-making, they help us evaluate funding priorities and assess our impact. Our current guiding principles are:
- Individuals with disabilities deserve a choice-driven life (self-determination). Preferences, opinions, priorities and accommodations are best defined by the individual rather than for the individual.
- Inclusion and integration are better than segregation. The more inclusive and integrated an environment, activity or program, the more it benefits everyone.
- Opportunities are presented with a focus on encouraging potential, rather than identifying limitations.
- Social settings that include family and friends are preferred. Age-related peer groups and the potential for new friends are ideal.
- ADA standards are the law and the minimum. Exceeding through the principles of Universal Design is desirable.
- Opportunities that enhance and support education and employment potential will contribute to greater independence for the individual.
- No one has all the answers. Collaboration increases the potential for greater opportunities.
Below are videos featuring community organizations sharing how their work supports our guiding principles.
Choice Driven Life
Inclusion & Integration
Encouraging Potential
Social Settings
Universal Design
Education & Employment
Collaboration
Our Story
WindSwell Foundation (formerly AWS Foundation) was established in 2007 as an independent, not-for-profit entity supporting the disability community. Since 2009, we’ve awarded nearly $6 million dollars in grants each year to community partners throughout Northeast Indiana.
At WindSwell Foundation, we build awareness, share resources, initiate conversations, create connections and fund programs that support children and adults with disabilities to be engaged in their daily lives and empowered throughout their lifetimes. We build others up—so that together, we can build a more inclusive community.