Please donate to help Cynthia Dudley

UPDATED Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024

Hello, my name is Shannon Shy, President of the Board of Directors of the Trillium Drop-In Center. I and others have set up this GoFundMe page to help with the medical care and services for the amazing Cynthia Dudley. Cynthia is the beloved, dynamic, Executive Director and co-founder of the Trillium Drop-in Center in Woodbridge, Virginia. Cynthia is a fierce advocate for those who struggle with mental illness and believes that others who have walked the same path have something special to offer in helping individuals move into recovery.

Cynthia was diagnosed in early 2024 with uterine and brain cancer. Sadly, Cynthia passed from this earth on the morning of March 27th, 2024.

As a person with her own journey through mental illness and recovery, she has dedicated her life to helping people with severe mental illness. As a founder of Trillium, Cynthia had a vision and the determination to turn it into reality. In 2007, she and two other women were able to secure funding for and open Trillium’s doors to the community.

Since that time, Trillium has provided a refuge and source of hope and recovery for those who struggle with mental illness. It is a place where people heal and learn how to change their own lives in a stress free, stigma free atmosphere. Trillium is fully staffed by Peer Recovery Specialists, people who have lived experience with mental health recovery.

Cynthia was the heart and soul of Trillium and a huge support and inspiration to the staff and clients. She mentored and befriended many of the people whose lives she has touched.

However, Cynthia’s decades-to-come influence doesn’t stop with the Trillium program. Cynthia co-chaired and supported the Prince William County’s Mental Health Awareness Event for many years. She and another Trillium staff member spoke at a United Nations NGO conference in New York City.

Cynthia facilitated the creation of Trillium’s Speakers Bureau, which provides community outreach, offering presentations of personal experience with mental illness, all at no cost.

Also, she and her staff participated in regular trainings to help police officers learn to better manage calls involving individuals in crisis.

Cynthia worked with the Trillium staff to publish a book called “Hope Awakened” to assist those who have attempted suicide with the goal of providing concrete assistance and hope to others.

Working tirelessly in the community, Cynthia conferred with local leaders and the state legislatures to secure programming and legislation to meet the needs of those who struggle with mental illness. She has received many awards and recognition for her work.

Sadly, Cynthia’s unexpected illness and death produced and will produce related expenses beyond her financial situation. Additionally, the Trillium staff and Cynthia's friends and supporters are planning a Celebration of Life event (information to be announced in the next few weeks), which will be the only memorial service for Cynthia.

Cynthia was a vibrant woman, devoted to spreading beauty and hope in the world. Thank you all who have donated to date. If you have not donated, please consider donating to support this amazing woman who gave so much of herself to support her community. All donations will go to supporting expenses related to Cynthia’s medical care, funeral home services, her Celebration of Life memorial service, and any remainder for the urgent living needs of her husband, Roger.