Dottie Hubbard, Wheeler Pioneer

The success of any start-up organization depends on a community that nurtures it, as well as the talent and driving forces of local leadership. The presence of these elements—coupled with the vision and mobilization efforts of Mrs. Dorothy K. “Dottie” Hubbard—moved Wheeler from vision to reality.

In 1965, Mrs. Hubbard convened individuals concerned with mental health, corporate, hospital and community leaders to create the Central Connecticut Regional Mental Health Council (CCRMHC). This planning organization studied the needs for services and advocated for new services. In 1967, the council commissioned a Feasibility Study to survey available services and developed a mental health plan for the region. Eighteen members of the council then created a new non-profit in 1968, Wheeler Clinic, Inc.

Plainville resident Bertha Wheeler had died in 1960 and left most of her estate to “establish a hospital in Plainville.” The CCRMHC and the newly formed Wheeler Clinic petitioned the court, in a will-construction suit concerning the Wheeler bequest, and used the Feasibility Study as important evidence that the area was well-served with general hospitals but needed expanded facilities for mental health treatment. The court agreed and, in 1969, approved Wheeler Clinic as trustee for the bulk of the bequest.

During those early years, Dottie Hubbard served both as executive director of the mental health council, and she provided administrative support for the young Wheeler Clinic. From 1970 to 1973, when the new clinic facility on Northwest Drive opened, the Central Connecticut Regional Mental Health Council and Wheeler Clinic shared an office on Cooke Street in Plainville. After setting up the organization, creating a regional plan and securing the early funding for the clinic, Ms. Hubbard continued to advise the clinic staff and remained a friend of Wheeler until her retirement in the mid-1970s and beyond.

“Dottie was a lovely person, gifted at organizing and mobilizing volunteers, and an extremely savvy advocate. She was the driving force who laid the groundwork for the organization’s first staff,” said early Wheeler employee, Mary Hess.