Porchaven™ — Where Community Becomes Home
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. Whether you hope to call Porchaven home, provide trusted services to our residents, or invest in its future, we invite you to help bring this vision to life.
The Porchaven Seed — Our Founders' 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 & 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 operations and community outreach
(Michele and Cathy are sisters.)
As Co‑Founder and Director of Operations & Community Outreach, 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, 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, cooperative 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.
Three Core Values
We bring people together through meaningful relationships, shared experiences, and a culture of trust. Porchaven is designed for neighbors who know each other, support one another, and enjoy life side by side.
We create beautiful, healthy environments that inspire growth, contribution, and the freedom to live life fully. From wellness-focused design to opportunities for personal development, Porchaven helps every resident thrive.
We lead with transparency, reliability, and care — strengthening every relationship and every decision. Our commitment to honesty and stewardship guides how we build, operate, and serve our community.
Porchaven Exclusives
Intentional differences that set Porchaven apart from other communities!
- 🏡01Front-Porch Living by Design: Porchaven is intentionally designed with homes, pathways, gardens, and commons that make everyday connection feel natural.
- 🏘️02Four Distinct Havens: Each Haven has its own character, shared spaces, and activities, giving residents a smaller neighborhood experience within the larger community.
- 📜03Code of Ethics: All residents agree to a code of ethics that promotes respect, accountability, and neighborly care
- 🤝04Intergenerational Support: Porchaven brings neighbors of different ages together to share stories, build trust, and support one another through daily life.
- 🌳05Nature Woven In: Green spaces, gardens, walking paths, and ponds are integrated throughout Porchaven to create calm, beauty, and connection to the outdoors.
- 🧘06Wellness in Daily Life: Healing arts, movement, meditation, healthy living, and lifelong learning are built into the rhythm of the community.
- 📋07Trusted Provider List: Porchaven connects residents with screened providers who are committed to excellent service, fair value, and residents’ best interests.
- 🔒08FBI 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.
- 📺09Electronic 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.
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.
* 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.
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)
Venture
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 activities and private spaces to gather and celebrate.
Centered around
The Veranda Club
🌴Porchaven Circle
The central gathering heart of Porchaven — where all 4 Havens come together.
Porchaven Circle is the warm, welcoming, walkable heart of Porchaven where residents, guests, and community partners come together for meals, celebrations, reflection, learning, music, storytelling, and everyday connection. It is where all 4 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.
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.
Take the Next Step
Ways to Get Involved
There are many ways to be part of Porchaven — find the one that fits you.
Membership vs. Sponsorship Benefits
Memberships
Porchaven memberships are for individuals, families, future residents, friends, donors, and supporters who want to stay informed, share feedback, learn, prepare, and feel connected to Porchaven’s early development. Members receive value through updates, education, community belonging, planning resources, and opportunities to help shape the vision—not through business promotion.
Sponsorships
Porchaven sponsorships are for businesses, organizations, service providers, philanthropic partners, and community partners seeking visibility, recognition, and meaningful business/community engagement. Sponsors advance the vision through public support, promotional opportunities, educational visibility, relationship-building, and deeper impact within the Porchaven™ community.
Questions? Call Founder Cathy at 941-479-0611.
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.
Share Your Suggestion
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
Childcare Friday evening — date night!
Parent, 34 with two kids 6 and 8
Lawn mowing — hip surgery recovery
Resident, 72
Looking for a Chess teacher - wanting to learn
Resident, 10
Ride to farmers market Saturday mornings
Resident, 68
Soccer coach for kids 8–12, Tuesday afternoons
Parent, 41
Someone to teach me basic smartphone skills
Resident, 77
CONTRIBUTIONS
What neighbors are offering
Financial wellness workshop — all ages welcome
Resident, 58
Home-cooked meals for neighbors recovering from illness
Resident, 55
Preschool storytime, Wednesdays 10am
Retired teacher, 65
Relationship skills class for teens & young adults
Counselor, 47
Sports coaching — basketball, any age
Resident, 29
Vegetable garden help — planting & harvesting
Resident, 70
These boards are designed to spark the kind of everyday, intergenerational connection that makes Porchaven more than a neighborhood — they make it a community.
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