Mission and Vision
Our mission is to help children and adults with enduring intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities live as independently as possible, be included in the community and function at their highest potential.
We envision a community in which people with enduring intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities are engaged fully and meaningfully in all aspects of community life.
Priority Initiatives

Promoting Social Enrichment
Seeking inclusive and accessible social, recreational and creative programs that engage and inspire individuals with disabilities.

Advancing 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.

Expanding Transportation
Pursuing opportunities for accessible, affordable community transportation increasing access to locations throughout the community for individuals with disabilities.

Seeking Early Diagnosis & System Navigaton
Exploring programs that recognize and diagnose disabilities early to achieve each individual’s highest potential, providing easy access and information to assist families and care givers, and gaining better understanding of effective therapies for individuals with disabilities.

Improving Housing
Broadening opportunities for safe, secure and affordable housing that provides a variety of beneficial living environments for individuals with disabilities.
About Us
How did the AWS Foundation get started?
AWS Foundation was founded in 2007. We are an independent organization created by corporate changes made in the business operations of AWS/Anthony Wayne Services, now named Benchmark Human Services. The Foundation exists as a separate not-for-profit entity in support of the disability community.
What is the Foundation’s mission?
Together with like-minded community partners, we help children and adults with enduring intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities live as independently as possible, be included in the community and function at their highest potential.
What is the vision of the Foundation?
We envision a community in which people with enduring intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities are engaged fully and meaningfully in all aspects of community life.
From accessible playgrounds, to adaptive sports, to special needs pre-vocational training, we want to give people with disabilities opportunities they’ve never experienced before. With your help, we want to create a community rich in resources and services where people with disabilities and their families thrive.
How does the Foundation support this vision?
Our primary support is to provide grants to community partners who will implement the Foundation’s vision on a practical level.
AWS Foundation also strives to engage the community through advocacy and awareness efforts and to be a useful resource to both service providers and families facing the challenges of enduring disabilities. To that end, we encourage you to explore our website and follow us on Facebook for news, events and helpful information.
How much has the Foundation awarded in grants?
Since it began grant making in 2009 through summer of 2017, the Foundation has awarded grants totaling more than $27 million to more than 130 not-for-profit organizations.
I am interested in a grant. What should I do?
To learn more about our grants and whether you should consider applying on behalf of your not-for-profit organization, take a look at the Grant Seekers section.
What exactly does the AWS Foundation support through grants?
The Foundation’s grants support not-for-profit organizations with their programs, capital needs and operations in our five priority initiatives as well as related opportunities that enhance the lives of people with disabilities. For examples of previous grant recipients, see the Grantees section.
Imagine a world in which people of different abilities are celebrated for their unique contributions. Where communities rally around providing people with disabilities every opportunity to achieve their fullest potential. Where basic human compassion translates into innovative solutions that help everyone experience the freedom of living in a welcoming community. It’s a world that requires new ideas, a shift in attitudes and a higher level of commitment. That’s what drives the work of AWS Foundation.
Connect with Us
We invite you to keep in touch, share information and make a difference.
- Share your stories with us
- Sign up to receive our eNewsletter
P. 260-222-5005
AWS Foundation
5323 W Jefferson Blvd.
Fort Wayne, IN 46804
260-222-5005
877-799-5656
Fax: 260-207-5695
Patti Hays
CEO
260-207-5755
E-mail
Risé Taylor
CFO
260-207-5620
E-mail
Joni Schmalzried
Chief Program Officer
260-207-5656
E-mail
Vicki Lee Johnson
Director of System Navigation
260-207-5728
E-mail
Jenny Snyder
Program Officer
260-207-5794
E-mail
Accountant
260-489-3356
E-mail
Andie Mosley
Grants & Outreach Coordinator
260-207-5769
E-mail
Callie Scipio
Office Coordinator
260-207-5649
E-mail
Board of Directors
Todd Jacobs, Chair
Lifeline Youth & Family Services
Susan Trent, Vice Chair
Rothberg, Logan, Warsco LLP
Joe Doust, Secretary
Cap n’ Cork
Mike Cahill, Treasurer
Community Volunteer
Larry Adelman
Deister Concentrator, LLC
Whitney Bandemer
Trine University
Phil Downs
Southwest Allen County Schools
Ben Eisbart
Community Volunteer
Heather Herron
Sweetwater
Dr. Kim Barnett Johnson
Ivy Tech Community College
Nancy Jordan
Bulldog Consultants
Tom O’Neill
Deister Concentrator, LLC
Robert Stone
Community Volunteer
Dr. Tasha Williams
Fort Wayne Neuropsychology
Dr. Mark Zolman
Physical Medicine Consultants