Someone, somewhere, declared the month of April to be “Volunteer Appreciation Month.” I think that’s a cool idea—sort of. I mean, it is great to take time to make sure that we express appreciation to those who give their time to help others. But at The Well Community, we sure hope our volunteers experience our appreciation every time they are with us, not just as an annual “thank you.”
In 2017, 277 people donated 2,880 hours to help The Well Community provide a place of hope and healing to those dealing with severe mental illnesses. They offered healthy and loving relationships with our members and gave the gifts of dignity, compassion and joy.
Who are the kind of people who volunteer at The Well? I think of kind people like the Arbuckles who come regularly with friends or family in tow, to provide and serve nutritious and delicious lunches. Or Jennifer Snow, who gathers up others in her world to come and provide Thursday night meals for Well members. What I appreciate in these folks is not only that they come and serve so faithfully, but also that they bring others. What a great way to expand awareness about mental health and introduce folks to The Well!
Then there’s Ann Tabony. Ann has been teaching art at The Well for about a dozen years. Through her talents and generosity of time, our members have been able to discover their own talents and find new ways to express some of their deepest thoughts. James Barclay, a retired police officer, voluntarily helps our members every single Thursday at The Well. They count on him to be there and value his presence.
I am also grateful for church groups who see opportunities to help out at The Well as ways to “love their neighbors as themselves.” So far this year we’ve had volunteers from Mesquite Seventh Day Adventists, Oak Cliff Christian Church, First Baptist Frisco, Christ Episcopal Church, Tyler Street Church and the Royer/Fuller Sunday School Class at Park Cities Baptist Church.
The Well Community has also benefited from the work of the Christian Firefighters Association, The Well Auxiliary and the Sunset High School Class of ‘69. And there are scores of individuals who help us put together events like Recovery Live! Oh, how we appreciate each one.
If you or your group would like to be a part of the community supporting The Well, just let me know at [email protected] or (214) 393.5878, ext. 604.
Alice
