Quite often, as I explain the Well Community to others, their comments include things like, “What a unique ministry!” or “I’ve never heard of any place like that before.” I think they are right. The Well certainly fits a unique niche among nonprofits and within ministries. After 22 years, we are still the only faith-based organization in the metroplex specifically providing services to adults living with severe mental health conditions.
Other groups you may be familiar with are focused on the unhoused in our area (which does include a number struggling with mental illnesses) or perhaps their outreach is to those living in poverty. There are some that provide services to veterans, the elderly, families at risk and underprivileged children. But none start with the criteria of “severe and chronic mental illness.” Only the Well begins there. Yes, we address homelessness, poverty and some of the special needs of veterans and seniors. But our starting point is mental health.
Why? Because, while many living with mental health challenges struggle with those same social issues just mentioned, they also face unique and commonly misrepresented hurdles. At the Well we understand this and gear our relationships, programs and activities to combat stigma, isolation, loneliness, rejection, grief and hopelessness.
Our single priority is to provide a place where those dismissed by others because of mental illnesses are welcomed, served and accepted. What we offer is a place to belong.
Most of the volunteers and interns who come to help out have never before experienced friendships with people living with schizophrenia, paranoia, bipolar disorder or severe anxiety. As they get to know members of the Well, they are often amazed at how kind, generous and fun our folks can be. I am often overwhelmed as I watch stigma crash and burn and true care and compassion blossom.
Rebecca Puchkors brings students from Baylor Nursing School to volunteer regularly. She says her students love it. “They’re always just blown away with how welcoming the members are and how resilient they are, and just their faith and their dedication.”
Amber, a former intern, shared how she was struck by Well members’ compassion and fortitude. “They’re loving and they’re caring and they’re content. … I love their character; I love their strength. … Media plays them as weak and ill and even lazy, and they’re definitely not. They’re strong and hardworking and talented and caring.”
As I remember her observation, it occurs to me again that the Well is one of very few places where relationships and mutual respect can be so authentically forged. Longtime volunteer James Barclay sums up what I’m trying to say: “There is nothing like it around. It is hands-on and a place for personal relationships with the members.”