By Lesley Keays
Herald Columnist
A poignant moment recently took place at Dave’s House in Sanford.
“Clearing the Way” was a ceremonial pre-demolition event to mark the upcoming razing of the original property structure. A enthusiastic rebuild is ahead.
For whom is the community named?
“Dave Jeffreys was a gifted scholar and leader, a warm-hearted friend, mentor, and role model. He was also my brother,” explains Dave’s House Co-founder Lin Wilensky.
As a young adult, Jeffreys was diagnosed with schizophrenia. “My hero had become vulnerable,” recalls Wilensky. “The sibling I admired so deeply was facing a battle none of his loved ones could understand.”
For the next 25 years, Dave cycled in and out of hospitals, on and off medications through periods of instability and struggle.
A harrowing psychotic episode made the Wilenskys realize that Dave needed more support to manage his illness. “My husband Ron and I set out to find an environment that could provide the care, structure, and compassion Dave needed to live a successful and meaningful life.” notes Wilensky. They found a facility in Virginia that suited his complex needs.
“During the final 15 years of his life, my brother flourished,” reveals Wilensky. “He remained stable and required no hospitalizations. He held a part-time job, drove himself to activities, and made lasting friendships. Dave enjoyed a quality of life we thought might not ever be possible. Permanent supportive housing gave my brother something every person deserves: the opportunity to live with dignity, purpose, and hope.”
Upon Dave Jeffreys’ passing in 2007, Ron and Lin sought to honor his legacy. Together they created permanent supportive housing. “We wanted other brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, to have the opportunity to live their best lives as Dave had,” states Wilensky.
Dave's House at Celery Community will become the organization’s first multi-unit residential neighborhood, and the first community of its kind in Seminole County. It is dedicated to adults living with serious mental illness and co-occurring disabilities.
The community will create opportunities for connection, independence, recovery, and belonging. The future neighborhood will feature:
- Eight duplex homes designed to support up to twenty residents for independent living.
- A 3,500-square-foot community center for activities, education, and social connection.
- Green spaces that promote wellness and community.
- On-site case management and peer support.
- Healthcare partnerships and educational programming.
- Employment and life-skills opportunities.
- Convenient access to transportation and community resources.
"It was incredibly encouraging to see such an
outpouring of support from our community, states
Ellen O'Connor, CEO, Dave's House. “From city leaders and partners to donors, board members, neighbors, and advocates, ‘Clearing the Way’ showed that this vision belongs to all of us. This event marked the first of many milestones as we work together to create Dave's House at Celery Community and expand permanent supportive housing for adults living with serious mental illness.”
For more information on Dave’s House, visit
