MILL SPRING, NC – October 27th, 2026
CooperRiis Healing Community, a nationally recognized nonprofit mental health treatment center today announced the public launch of “Hope Starts Here: The CooperRiis Endowment Campaign,” a $6 million effort to establish a permanent endowment designed to sustain and expand access to its mental health recovery programs for generations to come.
After more than 20 years of helping individuals and families find hope and a path forward through serious mental health challenges, CooperRiis is building a permanent endowment to help ensure that this healing community is here for generations to come. Thanks to the generosity of early leadership donors, CooperRiis enters the public phase with strong momentum, having already secured more than $5.5 million toward the $6 million goal, along with four of the campaign’s 10 planned estate gifts. Now, CooperRiis is inviting the broader community to help carry that legacy forward.
“For more than 20 years, CooperRiis has walked alongside individuals and families navigating serious mental health challenges, helping them build lives of meaning and independence,” said Eric Levine, Ed.D., President & CEO of CooperRiis. “This campaign is about securing that impact for generations to come, ensuring that hope, healing, and community will always be available to those who need it most.”
The need for expanded access to mental health care continues to grow. Nationally, more than 1 in 5 adults experience mental illness, and over 54% of those with serious mental illness receive no treatment. CooperRiis addresses this gap through its unique recovery model, offering a structured, relationship-based environment that integrates clinical care, purposeful work, community connection, and a focus on nutrition and exercise.
Since its founding, CooperRiis has served more than 2,600 individuals, with strong outcomes that reflect the effectiveness of its approach:
- 88% of alumni report no psychiatric hospitalizations one year after discharge
- 71% are living independently
- 75% are working, pursuing education, or volunteering
“This campaign is an investment in people,” said Don Cooper, Founder and Board Chair. “It ensures that individuals who are often overlooked or underserved have access to a healing community where they are seen, supported, and empowered.”
The endowment will strengthen every aspect of the CooperRiis model by:
- Sustaining a robust scholarship program
- Supporting continued program innovation and excellence
- Attracting and retaining exceptional staff
- Expanding access to serve more individuals and families seeking mental health care
At the heart of the campaign is a powerful vision: to encircle every resident with a healing community and provide lasting support that extends far beyond their time in the program.
Community members, donors, and supporters are invited to join this important effort to create a legacy of hope and healing. Contributions, including multi-year commitments and planned gifts, will play a vital role in achieving the campaign goal.
A Celebration of Hope
The public campaign will be celebrated at CooperRiis’ Bountiful Hope Benefit on November 12th at the Country Club of Asheville. The event will bring together alumni, families and supporters to celebrate the impact of CooperRiis and the progress of the Hope Starts Here campaign.
To learn more, make a gift, or discuss planned giving opportunities, please visit www.cooperriis.org/endowment-campaign/
Media Contact
Eric Levine, Ed.D
President and CEO
CooperRiis Healing Community
(240) 446-1691
eric.levine@cooperriis.org
About CooperRiis Healing Community
CooperRiis Healing Community is a nationally recognized residential treatment program based in western North Carolina, dedicated to helping individuals with mental health challenges achieve their highest levels of functioning and fulfillment. Through an integrated model of clinical care, purposeful work, and social engagement, CooperRiis provides a safe, structured, and relationship-based environment for lasting recovery.
www.cooperriis.org