Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Kennedy.
Hi Vanessa, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I grew up with a deep respect for service and community, which naturally guided me toward a career in law enforcement. For over twenty years, I have also closely worked with individuals battling addiction and mental health issues. Through these experiences, I witnessed firsthand their urgent need for accessible, compassionate, and specialized care—especially for first responders, veterans, and those in rural areas who often get overlooked.
That calling motivated me to establish Code 1 Wellness, a nonprofit committed to offering mental health and substance use counseling, wellness services, and community-based programs. We’ve assembled a team that not only understands the clinical aspects of care but also the unique pressures and challenges faced by the populations we serve.
Along the way, I’ve taken on many roles: police officer, Peer Support, advocate, author, and coach. Each one has shaped my belief that healing is possible when people feel understood and supported. Today, I’m proud that Code 1 Wellness is growing, expanding its services, building partnerships, and standing as a source of strength and hope in our community.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been an easy journey. Starting Code 1 Wellness meant entering unknown territory—facing funding struggles, earning community trust, and building something from scratch in a rural area where resources are limited. There were moments of doubt, setbacks with grant funding, and times when I wondered how we would keep moving forward.
But every obstacle also reminded me of why I started. I’ve seen first responders, veterans, and families struggle without the support they need, and that drives me to keep going. The challenges have made us more resilient and more determined to fight for services that save lives and strengthen communities.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At Code 1 Wellness, we focus on providing mental health and substance use counseling specifically for first responders, veterans, and rural communities. What sets us apart is that we genuinely understand the cultures we serve—we know the stress, trauma, and expectations that come with being on the front lines because many of us have experienced it firsthand.
We’re known for combining clinical services with real-world support: therapy, psychiatric care, peer support, and wellness coaching, all in one location. We don’t just offer sessions; we build relationships and support people as they heal.
What I’m most proud of is the team we’ve built and the hope we’ve been able to restore for people who thought they had nowhere else to turn. Watching a first responder, veteran, or community member walk out our doors lighter than when they walked in—that’s the win every single time.
What makes Code 1 Wellness unique is our personal, heart-centered approach—we don’t treat people like numbers or cases. We meet them where they are, with compassion, cultural understanding, and practical solutions that suit their lives.
And what sets me apart is that I approach this work not only as a CEO but also as a police officer, and a peer who understands both sides of the badge. I know what it means to serve, carry trauma, and keep moving forward when resources are limited. That lived experience gives me a unique perspective and credibility when I sit down with first responders, veterans, or families who are hurting. They recognize I’m not just leading from behind a desk—I’ve walked in their shoes.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I definitely wouldn’t be here without others’ support. My family has been my foundation—they believe in me even when the road gets tough and remind me why this work matters.
Professionally, I’ve been fortunate to work with teammates who feel more like family than coworkers. The staff at Code 1 Wellness—our therapists, peer support specialists, medical providers, and admin team—each play a vital role in bringing our vision to life. They are the ones who show up daily with heart and dedication, ensuring our clients feel cared for.
I’ve also had mentors and community leaders who opened doors, offered advice, and motivated me to keep going when things seemed impossible. And honestly, the biggest credit belongs to the clients themselves. Their courage to walk through our doors, share their stories, and trust us with their healing is what keeps me motivated.
It’s truly been a team effort, and I appreciate every individual who has supported and believed in Code 1 Wellness as we’ve grown.
Pricing:
- Therapy Sessions – Most insurance plans are accepted; for self-pay clients, sessions generally range from $75–$125.
- First Responder Sessions – A special flat rate of $75 if insurance is not used.
- Wellness & Life Coaching – Private-pay options available, starting at $60/session.
- Membership Options (First Responders Only) – Discounted Vidulate™ membership packages for ongoing care, with tiered pricing for individuals, couples, and families.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.code1wellness.org
- Facebook: @code1wellness
- LinkedIn: Code 1 Wellness
