Mission Statement

We are a Christ-centered organization dedicated to supporting individuals by providing essential resources, emotional support, and guidance to help them build independent and self-sufficient lives.

Our Story

Foundations For Living, Inc. (FFL) was founded in 2010 with the tagline "Laying Foundations Today for a Brighter Tomorrow" and the mission, "To provide safe housing and transformational services to people in need.” This would be done by Serving Christ by Serving Others. The organization was established to provide transitional living, education, support, and resources to individuals and families in Waupaca County. FFL became a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit in November 2011.

FFL began as a grassroots effort, distributing information about local resources from the trunk of a car. As the need for services grew, the organization operated from an office at the former Pregnancy Information Center before moving into the Ruby's Pantry building, where three offices were used to serve clients. In the fall of 2014, FFL relocated to its current office at 1421 Churchill Street, Waupaca.

Also in 2014, FFL established the Community Clothes Closet, which later became the FFL Thrift Store. The store provides affordable clothing and household essentials to the community, while proceeds help support FFL's programs and mission. Vouchers are also available for individuals and families in need. Although temporarily closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, the store reopened following significant repairs and remodeling of the building.

In November 2015, FFL opened the Emergency Warming Center to provide overnight shelter during the winter months for individuals with no safe place to stay. One of the few overnight warming shelters in the area, the volunteer-run program offered eight cots and served adults in need from November through April. During the COVID-19 pandemic, services were relocated to a local motel to ensure support continued. The Emergency Warming Center operated for ten consecutive years before closing on April 30, 2025, due to a shortage of volunteers and other operational challenges. During its ten-year history, it served an estimated 295 guests.

An important community partnership developed through Waupaca County Drug Court. Through a program called Koinonia, participants met regularly with an FFL representative for encouragement, support, and discussion of personal challenges. The program was supported by county judges, probation and parole staff, and the Drug Court Coordinator. While Koinonia ended following changes brought about by COVID-19 and staffing limitations, FFL continues to support Drug Court participants when possible.

Over the years, FFL has also partnered with numerous community organizations. These partnerships have included providing meeting space for Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and Fresh Hope for Mental Health; supporting Oxford Houses in Waupaca; working with The Salvation Army, CAP Services, and St. Vincent de Paul to provide financial assistance; partnering with the Traveling Community Clothes Closet; and working with Feeding America to expand food resources through FFL's food pantry. As well as many other area agencies.

In 2023, a home was donated to FFL. Through the generosity of community members, businesses, and volunteers, the house was completely remodeled within a year and became known as The Middleton House. In April 2024, it opened as a Resource Center and an extension of FFL's Churchill Street office. In May 2024, the Women's Lodging House Program began operating from the home. Due to limited use of the Resource Center, that portion of the program closed in May 2026, and the home now serves exclusively as the Women's Lodging House Program. During its first two years, the program provided housing for 13 women.

In April 2025, FFL adopted its current mission statement:

"We are a Christ-centered organization dedicated to supporting individuals by providing essential resources, emotional support, and guidance to help them build independent and self-sufficient lives."

Following the closure of the Emergency Warming Center, FFL launched the Motel Voucher Program (MVP) in November 2025. Through a partnership with the Wisconsin Balance of State Continuum of Care, the program provides temporary emergency shelter for men, women, and families. By July 2026, the program had assisted 20 households and 40 individuals, providing them with a safe place to stay while they regrouped and planned their next steps.

Also in November 2025, FFL introduced the L.E.A.P.S. (Life-Giving Education and Personal Stability) Program, which offers educational classes, financial coaching, mentoring, Bible studies, and personal support to community members seeking greater stability and personal growth.

Throughout its history, Foundations For Living has adapted its services to meet the changing needs of the community. Over the years, FFL has provided housing and employment assistance, case management, mentoring, volunteer opportunities, hygiene supplies, food assistance, clothing and household vouchers, school supplies, limited financial assistance, educational programming, and other supportive resources designed to help individuals and families achieve greater independence. Many of these services continue to be offered today.

Today

Since its founding, Foundations For Living has grown from a small grassroots effort into a community-based nonprofit serving individuals and families throughout Waupaca County. Today, FFL serves as a Basic Needs Crisis Center, providing assistance, resources, and support to an estimated 500 individuals annually.

FFL's ability to carry out its mission is made possible through the generosity and support of local churches, businesses, area foundations, volunteers, and individual donors. Their financial support, donations, volunteer service, and encouragement have been essential to the organization's growth and success. Through these partnerships and the dedication of countless supporters, FFL continues its commitment to helping people build stable, independent, and self-sufficient lives.