Bertha and Frank Wheeler: A Legacy of Care
Plainville resident Bertha Buell Wheeler and husband Frank shared a passion for community that spanned two World Wars and beyond. Their vision and support bolstered many local non-profit organizations, including the Plainville Library and YMCA, and also led to the establishment of Wheeler Clinic.
In 1960, Mrs. Wheeler originally left a trust to establish a hospital for children in Plainville. This generous bequest, along with vital construction and staffing grants from the National Institute of Mental Health, helped establish the clinic in 1968 and led to the 1972 construction of the first facility at 91 Northwest Drive in Plainville. At the time, the purpose of the clinic was to deliver cost-effective, compassionate care for children and adults with addictions, emotional disturbances and other behavioral disorders.
“The Wheelers were clearly ahead of their time and among the town of Plainville’s most influential benefactors,” said Susan Walkama, LCSW, president and chief executive officer, Wheeler. “Through their extensive volunteer work, and penchant for problem-solving, they identified the need for additional services in Plainville, and they left a legacy of care to ensure those needs were met.”
Today, Wheeler Clinic has grown and expanded significantly to address the diverse needs of individuals, families and communities, and the organization takes an integrated approach to delivering primary and behavioral health, education, community justice and recovery services.
“This extraordinary bequest is the very bedrock upon which our organization stands. Because of Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler’s generosity, we are able to deliver accessible, quality care and positively transform the lives of thousands of individuals each year,” added Walkama.
