This month, we’re thrilled to feature our partners at ADEii Health, who are bringing mental health care directly into GRIP’s daily work. In this special Q&A, the ADEii CEO Nicholas Zoffel shares what inspired this collaboration, how their embedded clinicians are supporting clients with trauma-informed care, and their vision for a healthier, more resilient Richmond community.
What inspired ADEii Health to partner with GRIP, and what excites you most about this new collaboration?
Nicholas: We were inspired by GRIP’s long history of showing up and supporting the unhoused community, not just with shelter and meals, but with genuine care, compassion, and respect. This quality and capability is something we deeply value at ADEii. We see this partnership as a chance to bridge the gap between basic needs and behavioral health, so people can move forward with dignity. Together, we collaborate each day to build a foundation strong enough and caring enough—to support every service GRIP provides in their mission to lift people up.
Can you share a bit about ADEii’s mission and how it aligns with the work GRIP is doing in the Richmond community?
Nicholas: ADEii is on a mission to make behavioral health care accessible, proactive, culturally sensitive, and community-centered. We believe care shouldn’t start only when someone is in crisis—it should be available early, often, and without stigma. That vision aligns beautifully with GRIP’s commitment to wraparound services and holistic support. Together, we’re working to remove barriers to access while meeting people where they are.
What unique services or strengths does ADEii bring to this partnership that will benefit GRIP clients?
Nicholas: Our team brings an embedded care model—meaning our clinicians are on-site and integrated into the fabric of GRIP’s daily operations. We provide trauma-informed therapy, crisis intervention, case management, and support groups right where clients already feel safe and connected. Beyond direct services, we also offer training for staff and peer support to build a sustainable culture of mental wellness.
From your perspective, what are the most pressing mental health and wellness challenges facing the unhoused community today?
Nicholas: One of the biggest challenges is that daily survival leaves little bandwidth for healing. The stress of not knowing where you’ll sleep or eat compounds mental health struggles like depression, PTSD, generational trauma. and substance use. Stigma is another barrier—people often feel judged or dismissed when they ask for help. That’s why rooting care in trusted community spaces like GRIP matters so much.
How can the broader community, including donors and volunteers, support the work ADEii and GRIP are doing together?
Nicholas: There are so many ways to help. Donations to GRIP to support their mission ensures ADEii has a space to sustain and grow services as community needs arise. Volunteers can support GRIP’s programs, whether it’s helping in the kitchen, sharing your community connections with ADEii staff, or simply spending time with clients. We all just want to feel seen as people. Learning more about this partnership and then spreading the word helps break stigma while strengthening the safety nets that support us all.
