Welcome to Wellvance

At Wellvance, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a full and enriching life, no matter the challenges they face. Founded with the vision of providing holistic and progressive care, Wellvance is dedicated to serving individuals with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities, Adults with Serious Persistent Mental Illness, Children with Serious Emotional Disturbance, and Individuals with Substance Use Disorders.

Our mission is to empower each client to achieve their highest potential through tailored therapies, innovative support systems, and a compassionate community. We focus on integrating the latest research and proven methodologies under the provisions of the Michigan Mental Health Code, to offer a pathway toward personal growth and well-being for the residents of Iosco, Ogemaw, and Oscoda counties in Northern Michigan.

Rebrand Announcement Press Release

Mission and Vision

Our Mission

Wellvance provides quality prevention, education, and mental health services, in a fiscally responsible manner, in Iosco, Ogemaw, and Oscoda Counties, which are aimed at improving the health and welfare of persons served, promoting greater independence, and improving the quality of life for people in these counties with developmental disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders.

Our Vision

Wellvance envisions a future where consumers achieve their physical and mental health sufficient to empower them to achieve their dreams and desires for greater independence, greater personal responsibility, and full participation in community life.

Board Members

We want to thank each of our Board Members below who bring valuable expertise and dedication to our Wellvance mission. Their leadership will be instrumental in guiding our continued growth and commitment to providing quality care. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all Board Members for their ongoing service and contributions to Iosco, Ogemaw, and Oscoda counties.

Patti Casey
Iosco County
Term Ends 3/31/2026

Bonnie Lixey
Treasurer
Iosco County
Term Ends 3/31/2027

D. Jay O'Farrell
Board Chairperson
Iosco County
Term Ends 3/31/2027

Jill Gould
Iosco County
Term Ends 3/31/2025

Debra Welsch
Iosco County
Term Ends 3/31/2027

Matt Jordan
Iosco County
Term Ends 3/31/2027

Rose Walsh
Ogemaw County
Term Ends 3/31/2026

Gary Klacking
Vice Chair
Ogemaw County
Term Ends 3/31/2027

Mark Surbrook
Ogemaw County
Term Ends 3/31/2025

Brenda Simmons
Ogemaw County
Term Ends 3/31/2025

Amy Knepp
Oscoda County
Term Ends 3/31/2027

Chuck Varner
Secretary
Oscoda County
Term Ends 3/31/2025

Board Meetings

The regular meetings of Wellvance will be held on the fourth Monday of each month, except as noted, and are scheduled as follows:

• Monday, October 28, 2024: 5:00pm
*October 28 TEAMS link: https://bit.ly/4gRCAIH
• Monday, November 25, 2024: 5:00pm
• Monday, January 27, 2025: 5:00pm
• Monday, February 24, 2025: 5:00pm
• Monday, March 24, 2025: 5:00pm
• Monday, April 28, 2025: 5:00pm

All Board meeting will be held at the St. Vincent’s, Annex A Training Room at 3440 W. M-76, West Branch, Michigan, at 5:00pm, with a virtual option via Microsoft TEAMS. Each month's virtual meeting link will be posted here 5 days prior to the scheduled Board Meeting date.

Board meetings are open to all members of the public under Michigan’s Open Meetings Act.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided upon notification of request. Auxiliary aids and services are available to individuals with disabilities upon request. For anyone wanting to email comments, those comments may be emailed to joseph.chrivia@wellvance.org no later than noon on each board date posted to be presented to the Board. For anyone requesting meeting minutes, past agendas, or archived board information, please email to joseph.chrivia@wellvance.org with your request.

CARF Seal

Wellvance is accredited by CARF. CARF states that it “is an independent, nonprofit organization focused on advancing the quality of services you use to meet your needs for the best possible outcomes. CARF provides accreditation services worldwide at the request of health and human service providers. Whether you are seeking rehabilitation for a disability, treatment for addiction and substance abuse, home and community services, retirement living, or other health and human services, you can have confidence in your choice. Providers that meet our standards have demonstrated their commitment to being among the best available.”