Celebrating 20 years of HERO House NW

Celebrating 20 Years of Empowering Lives: Our Journey in Mental Health and Workforce Support

This year marks a milestone we’re incredibly proud of—20 years of serving our community through mental health support, advocacy, and workforce reintegration. What started as a small initiative with a passionate team and a big vision has blossomed into a movement that has helped thousands reclaim their lives, their voices, and their futures. As we kick off our fundraising campaign to ensure we have another successful 20 years, we want to share with you what the last two decades have accomplished.

Two Decades of Impact

Since our founding in 2005, we’ve remained committed to one simple but powerful mission: to ensure that everyone struggling with mental health challenges has the support they need not only to survive—but to thrive. Over the past two decades, we’ve:

• Supported over 1,000 individuals through breaking down the stigma of mental illness and combating isolation through our many supports.

• Helped more than 500 people return to work, regain financial independence, and find purpose through our supported and transitional employment programs.

• Partnered with hundreds of local businesses to create inclusive, stigma-free workplaces.

• Educated thousands more through community outreach, workshops, and public events, breaking down stigma and promoting mental wellness for all.

  
  

Restoring Dignity Through Employment

Work is more than a paycheck—it’s a path to dignity, routine, and belonging. One of our proudest achievements is our workforce reintegration program, which has helped individuals who were once sidelined by mental health challenges find meaningful employment.

Whether it's job coaching, resume support, skills training, or advocating for accommodations in the workplace, we've walked alongside our clients as they rebuild their confidence and reclaim their place in the world.

Stories That Inspire

Behind every statistic is a story. Stories like Maria’s, who found her voice again through peer counseling and now mentors others facing similar struggles. Or James, who after battling severe depression and unemployment, now runs his own landscaping business—hiring others from our program to give back.

These are the stories that fuel us. That remind us why we began. And that motivate us to keep going.

Looking Ahead

While we pause to celebrate how far we've come, we know our work is far from done. Mental health continues to be a critical issue, and the need for compassionate, community-based services is greater than ever.

As we enter our third decade, we’re committed to expanding our reach, strengthening our partnerships, and innovating our services—so that no one faces mental illness alone, and everyone has a chance to rebuild their life. We cannot do this alone.

Thank You

None of this would have been possible without our incredible staff, dedicated volunteers, generous donors, community partners, and—most importantly—the courageous individuals who have trusted us to walk alongside them on their journey.

This 20-year milestone is yours as much as it is ours.

Here’s to 20 years of healing, hope, and hard work. And here’s to many more.