New Vitae Wellness and Recovery was proud to announce that we had been named a recipient of the Family-Owned Business Award by the Philadelphia Business Journal. This recognition underscored our enduring commitment to the community and our success as a family-operated business in the behavioral health field.

Founded in 1983 by Anne Mills, a visionary social worker from the Veterans Administration, New Vitae began as a compassionate gesture—opening her home to provide care for veterans. This act of kindness laid the groundwork for what would evolve into a comprehensive service provider under the stewardship of her son, Adam Devlin, and his wife, Donna. Together, they expanded New Vitae’s reach and services while nurturing the core mission of offering compassionate residential and clinical supports through evidence-based and holistic care. This mission embodied our guiding principle, “New Vitae…Your New Life,” reflecting our dedication to transforming lives through recovery and renewal.

Our vision, encapsulated by the acronym PEACE—Promoting Belonging, Embracing Diversity, Advancing Potential, Cultivating Hope, Empowering Others—drove every facet of our operations. It inspired us to create an environment where everyone could thrive, supported by a community that valued diversity and fostered personal growth.

The legacy of our founder, Anne Mills, defined by her words, ‘Patience and Fortitude,’ continued to inspire our commitment to the community and each other. It was a testament to the enduring power of compassionate care and dedicated service that had been shepherded through generations.

This recognition from the Philadelphia Business Journal not only acknowledged the impact of our work but also highlights the depth of our roots in the community and our broad narrative of a family dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals dealing with behavioral health challenges.

During an interview, Adam and Donna shared their reflections on receiving the award. Adam noted, “It’s a great honor to be recognized. My mother’s vision was simple yet powerful—provide a space where people could find healing and hope. This award reflects not only her legacy but also the persistent dedication and hard work of our entire team.” Adam added, “This recognition underscores the legacy that began with Anne, and the responsibility we feel towards our community. It motivates us all to continue striving for excellence, to build upon the foundation she laid, and to keep pushing forward in service of those in need.”

In November, our achievements were featured in a special edition of the Philadelphia Business Journal, and we were acknowledged at an award ceremony on November 14th, 2024.

As we received this honor, we were reminded of our commitment to our mission. With recent expansions, like the development of new cottages designed for veterans and individuals with brain injuries and the enriching programs at Anne’s Artisan Center, we became more equipped than ever to support those in need.

Read the article in the Philadelphia Business Journal.

We were immensely grateful for this recognition and were inspired to push forward with even greater strength. We thanked our dedicated staff, residents, and community partners, without whom this journey would not have been possible.

This honor served not just as recognition of what New Vitae had become under the guidance of the Devlin family but as a tribute to the vision Anne Mills set forth—a vision that had grown and been shepherded through generations, transforming countless lives through compassionate care and dedicated service. #NewVitaeStrong

View our video to learn more from Adam Devlin and Judy Yanacek, President and CEO.
New Vitae Wellness and Recovery: A Journey of Hope and Healing Video