Porchaven™
Pronounced: Porch Haven
Where Community Becomes Home
Porchaven™ is a new kind of multigenerational, front-porch community where connection, nature, safety, and wellness are woven into everyday life for our residents.
The Porchaven™ Seed — Our Big WHY
The moment life falls apart should never be the moment a family discovers they have no one nearby to trust, lean on, or turn to for help. When our Mom passed away at only 40, our family learned that truth the hard way.
She left six children behind. I was 19. Michele was only 4. Between us were four more siblings, each one trying to understand a loss too large to comprehend. We had just moved from Illinois, where family was close enough to lean on, to New Orleans, where we knew no one.
That loss taught us something we have never forgotten: when life falls apart, what holds you together is people who genuinely care - Neighbors who show up. Friends who stay. A community that refuses to let you disappear into your grief alone.
After more than 20 years of helping three generations of families make housing decisions, I have seen the same need again and again: families overwhelmed by major transitions, seniors targeted by scammers, parents searching for dependable help, and people of every age longing to feel safe and supported.
Porchaven™ is our answer. It's a new kind of multigenerational, front-porch community designed to help neighbors get to know one another, build trusted support over time, share daily life in nature and wellness, and help people of every age feel at home.
Home is more than a house & amenities — it's the place where trusted people are close enough to notice, care enough to step in, and willing to help when life gets hard. When life is good, all generations are supporting each other, learning from one another and having fun together! I've carried this vision for over 20 years, and I believe communities like this are needed now more than ever.
— Cathy Waidelich, Founder & CEO of Porchaven™—
— The family behind the dream —
"Be the change you wish to see in the world."
Mahatma Gandhi
The People Behind Porchaven™
Porchaven™ is being built by a small, passionate founding team who believe deeply in the power of intentional community - where residents belong, providers matter, partners build, and community becomes home.
Cathy Waidelich
Founder, CEO & Community Visionary
Cathy brings together real estate experience, counselor education, wellness leadership, trusted service networks, and a deep commitment to helping people feel supported through life's transitions. Her work has consistently centered on connection, guidance, practical support, and creating environments where people feel seen and valued,
Michele Lamb
Co-Founder & Director of growth and community partnerships
(Michele and Cathy are sisters.)
As Co‑Founder and Growth Director, Michele brings sharp community insight, strong operational leadership, and a results‑driven approach to building programs that create stability, wellness, and long‑term impact.
Grounded in compassion and community impact, Michele's work reflects her lifelong dedication to helping people find trusted resources & feel hopeful.
Don Fedor
strategic Advisor & Community Scholar
Don provides trusted guidance and practical business perspective as Porchaven™ moves from vision to planning and validation. His steady counsel helps strengthen strategy, clarify priorities, and support the thoughtful development of a community model built around belonging, wellness, and connection.
Thank You to Our Special Contributors:
Chris Grove · Tina Mitchell
What Is Porchaven™?
A new kind of multigenerational, front-porch community where connection, nature, safety, and wellness are woven into everyday life for our residents.
Our Vision
To pioneer the global standard for community living and shape the future of how people live and thrive together.
The Valuable Mission of Porchaven™
To create front-porch communities designed to answer one of today's greatest needs: real human connection. Through welcoming homes, shared gathering spaces, meaningful celebrations, and everyday opportunities to connect, we bring people of all generations together so residents feel known, supported, and truly at home. Porchaven offers a scalable, differentiated community model built for rising demand in connection-centered living, wellness, and lasting social impact.
Five Core Values
We listen first, learn from one another, and build alongside the people this community is meant to serve.
We create welcoming neighborhoods where neighbors naturally get to know and enjoy one another.
We open pathways for people of all ages to share their gifts and stay engaged.
We foster transparent, respectful communities where people feel safe and supported.
We design nature-connected spaces and daily experiences that support health, joy, and belonging.
What Makes Porchaven™ Unique
Ten intentional differences that set Porchaven™ apart from any other community!
- 🔒01FBI Background Check: Every Business Owner, Provider & Resident is required to complete an FBI background check, helping ensure a safer, more secure, and more trusted community for everyone.
- 📜02Code of Ethics: All residents agree to a Code of Ethics that promotes respect, accountability, and neighborly care.
- 🏡03Front-Porch Living by Design: Porchaven is intentionally designed with homes, pathways, gardens, and commons that make everyday connection feel natural.
- 🏘️04Five Distinct Havens: Each Haven has its own character, shared spaces, and activities, giving residents a smaller neighborhood experience within the larger community.
- 📺05Electronic Haven Boards: Each Haven features an electronic board that keeps residents informed, connected, and engaged in community life — from upcoming events and announcements to neighbor spotlights and shared resources.
- 🤝06Intergenerational Support: Porchaven brings neighbors of different ages together to share stories, build trust, and support one another through daily life.
- 🌳07Nature Woven In: Green spaces, gardens, walking paths, and ponds are integrated throughout Porchaven to create calm, beauty, and connection to the outdoors.
- 📋08Trusted Provider List: Porchaven connects residents with screened providers who are committed to excellent service, fair value, and residents' best interests.
- 🧘09Wellness in Daily Life: Healing arts, movement, meditation, healthy living, and lifelong learning are built into the rhythm of the community.
Every Porchaven resident receives a wellness assessment and one complimentary consultation designed to support a more personal path to well-being for themselves and family members living within Porchaven. Whether at move-in or later in their journey, residents may access this support whenever the timing feels right.
Imagine What's Possible
Porchaven™ is a new kind of neighborhood for people who want more than a house and standard amenities. It is for anyone who longs to feel known, safe, useful, and connected. Rather than leaving connection to chance, Porchaven™ is designed to make it part of daily life for all ages.
We envision a place where children grow up knowing their neighbors, where adults find trusted friendships close to home, and where older residents are celebrated and supported — not isolated.
A community where daily life feels warmer and more meaningful — because the people around you actually know you. Porchaven™ is designed for people in every season of life to feel welcome.
Porchaven's Theme Song: "Dream"- Sing, Dance & Play
By Tina Mitchell
A Haven for Every Way of Living
Each Haven has its own theme, commons area, and personality — together creating one welcoming community for every season of life.
Compass
Learning & Life Skills
A curious, creative Haven for children, families, adults, mentors, life skills, arts, discovery, and lifelong learning — where every age has something to teach and learn.
Centered around
The Discovery Academy (School)
Coral
Adventure & FUN
A lively, sun-filled Haven where residents of all ages and their guests can enjoy water activities- play, explore, splash, laugh, and make lasting memories together.
Centered around
The Adventure Hub
Grove
Nature & Gardens
A peaceful, earth-rooted Haven focused on trees, gardens, trails, wildlife, and outdoor restoration — a place to breathe, wander, and feel grounded.
Centered around
The Preserve Pavilion
Promenade
55+ Lifestyle Living
An elegant, welcoming 55+ Haven where residents enjoy friendship, comfort, beauty, wellness, dining, and graceful everyday living with indoor/outdoor activites and private spaces to gather and celebrate.
Centered around
The Veranda Club
Spring
Wellness & Renewal
A calming Haven for movement, healing arts, rest, nutrition, emotional wellbeing, and whole-person renewal — designed for restoration of body, mind, and spirit.
Centered around
The Renewal Retreat
* The first Porchaven™ master planned community will be located in the greater Sarasota , FL area. The Second community is expected in the greater Seattle, WA area.
Explore all five Havens →🌴Palm Place
The central gathering heart of Porchaven™ — where all 5 Havens come together.
Palm Place is the warm, welcoming, walkable heart of Porchavin where residents, guests, and community partners come together for meals, celebrations, reflection, learning, music, storytelling, and everyday connection. It is where all 5 Havens meet — the living room of Porchaven™.
Who Porchaven™ Is For
Porchaven™ is designed for people who want more — more connection, more purpose, more belonging. If any of these sound like you, there is a place for you here.
Community Connectors
Networkers, advocates, and relationship-builders who believe in what Porchaven™ stands for and want to open doors, make introductions, and spread the word.
Donors
Philanthropic individuals and foundations who believe in the power of intentional community to transform lives and want to help bring Porchaven™ to life.
Future Residents & Families
Families, couples, singles, and individuals of all ages who want to live in a thoughtfully designed, front-porch community where neighbors truly know each other.
Service Providers
Wellness practitioners, educators, healers, coaches, and local businesses who want to serve a community that deeply values what they offer.
Sponsors
Mission-aligned companies and brands who want early visibility and a meaningful presence in a community built around wellness, connection, and quality of life.
Strategic Partners
Builders, developers, landowners, civic leaders, investors, and organizations who share the vision and want to help shape the future of intentional community living.
Wellness-Minded People
People who prioritize whole-person well-being — movement, healing arts, nature, nutrition, emotional health, and lifelong learning woven into everyday life.
55+ Active Adults
Active adults and solo agers who want graceful, connected living — with beauty, friendship, wellness, and the comfort of knowing support is nearby when needed.
Take the Next Step
Ways to Get Involved
There are many ways to be part of Porchaven™ — find the one that fits you.
Secure your place with a founding membership at any level.
Offer your services to a community that deeply values what you do.
Align your brand with a mission-driven community from the start.
Connect us with builders, developers, or civic leaders who share the vision.
Be among the first to know when Porchaven™ opens its doors.
Membership vs. Sponsorship Benefits
Memberships
Porchaven memberships are for individuals, families, future residents, and supporters who want to stay informed, participate in activities, share feedback, and be part of Porchaven’s early development. Members help shape the vision and stay connected throughout the journey.
Sponsorships
Porchaven sponsorships are for businesses, organizations, and philanthropic partners seeking visibility, recognition, and meaningful community engagement. Sponsors advance the vision through public support, promotional opportunities, and deeper impact within the community.
Individual Memberships
Individual Memberships invite early supporters to be part of Porchaven™ during the planning stages — helping shape the culture, connection, and future of our communities before the first one is built. (Individual member and corporate sponsor pricing shown here reflects Early Adopter rates. (Classic pricing takes effect January 1, 2027.)
⚓ Early Adopter Pricing Ends November 30, 2026
"Lock in founding-level rates before they expire — Classic pricing takes effect December 1, 2026."
Community Friend
or $250/year — save 2 months
For early encouragers, friends, family, donors, and people who want to help Porchaven™ move from vision to action.
Founding Member
or $500/year — save 2 months
For serious supporters, future residents, and community connectors who want to be closer to the planning process.
Strategic Member
or $750/year — save 2 months
For strategic connectors like aligned philanthropists, wellness leaders - people who want to be the change they want to see in our world!
These memberships are supporter memberships only. They do not promise ownership, equity, profit participation, housing priority.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Porchaven™ is building a new kind of intentional community — and we're inviting mission-aligned companies to join us at the earliest stage. Sponsorship at this phase is about visibility, relationship, and early alignment. All sponsorships are non-exclusive.
Early Adopter pricing closes December 31, 2026 — lock in founding rates today.
Community Sponsor
Entry-level visibility for mission-aligned businesses
$1,000/ year
Classic rate: $125 / month — save with Early Adopter pricing
Haven Sponsor
Category visibility for companies building meaningful relationships
$2,000 / year
Classic rate: $333.00/ month — save with Early Adopter pricing
Legacy Sponsor
Highest early-stage visibility for category leaders
$4,000/ year
Classic rate: $666.00/ month — save with Early Adopter pricing
All sponsorships are non-exclusive. Sponsorship during this phase supports planning, development, and community-building efforts and does not constitute investment or equity. Porchaven™ is a trademark.
Ready to Align with Something Meaningful?
Early Adopter pricing closes December 31, 2026. Reach out today to learn more about becoming a founding sponsor of Porchaven™.
All sponsorships are non-exclusive. Sponsorship during this phase supports planning, development, and community-building efforts and does not constitute investment or equity. Porchaven™ is a trademark.
Trusted Porchaven Providers
Porchaven™ is creating a trusted network of carefully vetted professionals who serve residents with excellence, integrity, and fair value.
One Convenient Place
From home services and wellness support to everyday needs and specialty care — a curated list of screened providers right at residents’ fingertips.
Verified & Vetted
Every Porchaven Provider completes an FBI background check and demonstrates strong customer reviews — so residents feel confident about who they invite into their homes and lives.
A Growing Community
We’ll launch with a Trusted Provider List and a provider community featuring monthly Zoom gatherings with educational spotlights, networking, referrals, and shared growth.
Know a service category we should include?
We welcome your suggestions as we build the provider network.
Are you a provider in one of these fields? We'd love to connect.
Express Provider InterestAll Porchaven™ providers are required to complete an FBI background check.
🔒Submit FBI Background CheckElectronic Boards in Every Haven
Each Haven's Commons Area will feature a community e-Board — a living, shared space where neighbors post what they need and what they can offer - a simple, human, powerful resource.
NEEDS
What neighbors are looking for
Lawn mowing — hip surgery recovery
Resident, 72
Childcare Friday evening — date night!
Parent, 34 with two kids 6 and 8
Looking for a Chess teacher - wanting to learn
Resident, 10
Ride to farmers market Saturday mornings
Resident, 68
Someone to teach me basic smartphone skills
Resident, 77
Soccer coach for kids 8–12, Tuesday afternoons
Parent, 41
CONTRIBUTIONS
What neighbors are offering
Financial wellness workshop — all ages welcome
Resident, 58
Relationship skills class for teens & young adults
Counselor, 47
Preschool storytime, Wednesdays 10am
Retired teacher, 65
Vegetable garden help — planting & harvesting
Resident, 70
Sports coaching — basketball, any age
Resident, 29
Home-cooked meals for neighbors recovering from illness
Resident, 55
These boards are designed to spark the kind of everyday, intergenerational connection that makes Porchaven™ more than a neighborhood — they make it a community.
What Is Intentional Community — and Why Does It Matter Now?
Loneliness is at epidemic levels. Intentional communities offer a different path — one where connection is built into the design of daily life.
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Designing for All Ages: Why Multigenerational Living Works
When children grow up alongside elders, and elders stay connected to the energy of youth, something remarkable happens.
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Nature as Neighbor: How Green Space Shapes Community Life
The research is clear: access to nature reduces stress, improves health, and strengthens social bonds.
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