The Levenhagen Foundation began with a provision in Nella Levenhagen’s will. Behind that gift is a family history that gives our work lasting meaning.

For Nella and Richard Levenhagen, the impact of mental illness was deeply personal. Their daughter, Sally, lived with serious mental illness and spent much of her life in institutional care, while Nella helped raise her grandchildren.

Across generations, the Levenhagen family has known the challenges of mental illness, the demands of caregiving and the profound impact of loss. They have also known resilience, love and the importance of having someone to turn to. That understanding continues to guide the foundation’s work.

Generations of Commitment

Today, members of the Marston and Hollington families serve as foundation trustees, continuing relationships with the Levenhagens that began generations ago. For trustee Charles Marston, that connection reaches back to his grandfather, who served as Nella’s wealth manager. His brother, Tucker, was a lifelong friend of Nella’s grandson. The Hollington family first became involved through legal work connected to the family’s trust, beginning a commitment that continues across generations.

Alongside Nella’s great-great-granddaughter, Adrienne Robinson, these trustees bring a personal connection to the foundation’s history and a shared commitment to honoring Nella’s wishes.

Supporting Individuals, Families and Caregivers

The family’s experiences with serious mental illness and loss give the foundation a deeply personal commitment to helping others find support before they reach a crisis. That commitment carries through to our support for mental health care, suicide prevention and the families and caregivers who are so often trying to hold everything together.

For a parent, spouse or caregiver, the need for help can begin long before a diagnosis. It may start with noticing changes they don’t understand, searching for answers or struggling to find care. As needs change, families need guidance, practical resources and people they can turn to.

We honor Nella’s legacy by supporting organizations that help meet those needs, from early intervention and treatment to ongoing care and caregiver support. We help people and families connect to care and move forward with hope.