Lake Whatcom Residential and Treatment Center

Lake Whatcom Residential and Treatment Center (LWC) is a non-profit organization based in Bellingham, Washington. The organization employs 57 people and generates $8.5 million in annual revenue. LWC provides a variety of residential and community mental health services. LWC offers a range of services to adults with severe and persistent mental illness in Whatcom and surrounding counties. These services include housing assistance, financial and legal support, psychiatric and medical care, and social and personal growth programs. Their services are adaptable and cater to individual needs, ranging from crisis intervention to comprehensive case management, ultimately aiming to help individuals achieve independence. The organization was founded in 1968 as the Blue Canyon Foundation, initially focused on retardation and elderly care. In the 1970s, LWC shifted its focus to mental health and in 1980, relocated to Bellingham and adopted its current name. Over time, LWC has expanded its offerings to include licensed residential care, independent supported living, community outpatient mental health services, intensive mental health services (IOP and PACT), employment services, and protective payee services. The mission of Lake Whatcom Residential and Treatment Center is to provide residential care and community outpatient mental health programs and treatment within a psycho-social rehabilitation model. Their goal is to empower chronically mentally ill adults to achieve and maintain optimal levels of independence, health, and fulfillment.