Who We Are — The Hope and Healing Foundation Inc.
The Hope and Healing Foundation Inc. • 501(c)(3)

Who We Are

A nonprofit born from personal loss and professional commitment — dedicated to suicide prevention and mental health wellness for children, veterans, and families.

Cedric and Nicole witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of youth suicide and veteran mental health crises — events that turned their personal calling into a public mission.

From the Stoneman Douglas tragedy, to two youth suicides by train in Deerfield Beach, to veterans in their own family suffering from PTSD — every loss deepened their resolve. An estimated 17–22 veterans die by suicide every single day. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth ages 10–24. These are not statistics. They are people. And they are why the Foundation exists.

The mission of The Hope and Healing Foundation Inc. is to decrease suicidal deaths in America among youths and veterans who are suffering from debilitating mental and emotional stressors by increasing public awareness, education, research, outreach services, reducing stigma and serve as a community support system for those effected by suicide.

  • To develop a comprehensive and strategic plan to increase positive mental health wellness to the state of Florida residents in order to decrease suicidal deaths.
  • To provide accessible, effective, and efficient mental health and wellness services to all in need.
  • To advocate for the rights and needs of individuals with mental health challenges while decreasing the stigma attached to seeking treatment through mental health services.
  • To engage and coordinate services that reduce the impact of mental health disorders for the individuals and community we serve.
  • To continually measure the outcome of the services provided to assure the effectiveness and efficiency of our program and those that are in collaboration with the foundation.

The Hope and Healing Foundation (HHF) is a non-profit agency providing comprehensive, integrated mental health and wellness services for individuals living within the state of Florida based in Broward County. They intend to promote positive mental health services and induce a positive quality of life for consumers in need without regard to race, religion, disability, national origin, or gender. Hope and Healing Foundation aims to:

  • Protect the dignity and privacy of the individuals served.
  • Be empirically advised and clinically sound.
  • Respond to community diversity through culturally sensitive consumer focused care.
  • Target outcomes that satisfy the consumer and demonstrate program effectiveness.
Our Founders

Built on personal experience

The Hope and Healing Foundation was established in 2020 by Cedric J. Bell and Nicole Albanese-Bell — a married couple with over 20 years of experience in suicide prevention and mental health education.

Their mission became personal when their teenage niece suffered from depression and attempted to end her life. Visiting her in the hospital, they committed to providing the guidance and tools she needed to find her meaning. Today, she is a mother of two, thriving every day.

That experience, combined with community tragedies including the Stoneman Douglas shooting and two youth suicides in Deerfield Beach, shaped the Foundation's urgent mission.

Co-Founders
CB

Cedric J. Bell

Co-Founder & Director
NA

Nicole Albanese-Bell

Co-Founder & Director

"They hope you will join them in their life's mission to save lives and heal communities across the nation."

20+Yrs experience
2020Founded
FL & USReach
Our Mission

Saving lives. Healing communities.

To promote awareness, prevent increasing suicidal deaths among children and veterans, and provide comfort, support, and tools to those suffering from debilitating mental and emotional stressors — so they can find their meaning in life every day.

What drove us to act

Community tragedies that fueled our purpose

Cedric and Nicole witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of youth suicide and veteran mental health crises — events that turned their personal calling into a public mission.

Stoneman Douglas High School

17 students were killed. Several of their own students attempted suicide in response to this trauma, compelling them to expand their outreach.

Deerfield Beach, FL (2019–2020)

Two high school students died by suicide by train. These events led to the discovery that suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth ages 10–24.

Veterans in crisis

An estimated 17–22 veterans die by suicide daily. With veterans in their own family suffering from PTSD, Cedric and Nicole felt compelled to serve this population.

Who we serve

Care for every generation

HHF currently services residents of Florida and is expanding services across the United States.

Children & youth

Ages 10–24 facing depression, suicidal ideation, and emotional crisis.

Veterans

Those experiencing PTSD and war-time trauma who have sacrificed for our country.

Adults

Individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, low self-worth, and related stressors.

Families

Family members watching loved ones suffer and needing guidance to provide support.

Our services

Qualified care, trusted professionals

HHF is a licensed nonprofit (NTEE: P99 — Mental Health, Crisis Intervention) offering a full range of counseling and prevention services in person, online, and through community partnerships.

Individual counseling

One-on-one therapy with licensed professionals for individuals and families navigating mental health challenges.

Couples counseling

Relationship support for couples dealing with grief, trauma, and emotional strain.

Crisis intervention

Rapid response mental health support identifying and assisting those in immediate danger.

Online counseling

Virtual therapy options that make mental health support accessible regardless of location.

Support groups

Facilitated group programs for survivors of suicide, veterans, youth, and caregivers.

Copay assistance

Financial support so cost is never a barrier to receiving consistent, quality mental health care.

Get involved

Join us in this life-saving mission

Whether you need support, want to refer a client, volunteer your time, or make a donation — there is a place for you in this work. Together, we can stop the epidemic of suicide and restore hope to every community.