As so many of our volunteers discover, serving at the Well Community leads to awareness of mental illness that’s far deeper than statistics and facts. We talked with Tammy Nguyen about her experience with volunteering at the Well as a Baylor Nursing student.
What does your time at the Well Community typically look like?
My time at the Well has involved spending time with members, participating in activities like devotionals and simply getting to know people on a personal level. Everyone is very welcoming, and there’s a strong sense of community from the moment you walk in. I’ve also helped with small things like setting up chairs and cleaning up afterward, which everyone contributes to together. The environment feels very family-oriented and supportive, which was such a heart-warming experience.
What aspects of serving at the Well Community have been especially meaningful to you?
The most meaningful part has been seeing how much love and support the members show each other. It was touching to see people who may not have much still make such a strong effort to care for one another and help out however they can. I also appreciated how intentional they were about including me and wanting to hear my thoughts during devotionals. It made me realize how important connection and belonging are in someone’s healing process.
Has anything surprised you as you’ve gotten to know Well Community members?
One thing that surprised me was how welcoming and open everyone was right away. I expected to mainly observe and help out where I could, but instead people genuinely wanted to know my name, talk with me and involve me in conversations. You can truly see that they view each other as family and support one another through everyday acts of kindness.
How has volunteering at the Well Community played a role in your nursing training?
Volunteering at the Well has helped me better understand the importance of holistic care in nursing. In the hospital, care is often focused on medical treatment, but at the Well I saw how emotional support, community and relationships can also have a huge impact on someone’s well-being. It gave me a different perspective in how caring for patients can go beyond medications and procedures.
What would you tell other students who are considering volunteering at the Well Community?
I would encourage other students to volunteer because it’s a very eye-opening and rewarding experience. It gives you the opportunity to connect with people in a meaningful way and better understand the importance of community support. The members are incredibly kind and welcoming, which makes it easier to feel comfortable even if you’re nervous at first. I think it’s a great experience for anyone going into healthcare because it teaches compassion and human connection and may change the way they view mental health.
From your perspective, what’s unique about the Well Community?
What makes the Well Community unique is the genuine sense of belonging that exists there. The members willingly come to see friends they’ve made, and it’s a small part of their day that makes a huge difference. I also think it’s unique how they incorporate faith into their community through devotionals and conversations about God. Seeing members come together spiritually and support one another emotionally created a very comforting and uplifting environment. The Well creates an environment where people feel seen, valued and accepted, and I think that makes a huge difference in recovery and overall well-being.
We’d love to welcome you, your family or your church, friend or business group at the Well! Click here to learn about opportunities to volunteer—and grow in your awareness as you serve!