Friendship. Relationship. Fellowship. These are basic needs for all humans. Most of us find such connections in our families, our workplaces, our community or our church groups. But for people living with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression or other serious mental health challenges, sustaining healthy interactions can be stressful or nearly impossible.
This is why the Well Community emphasizes “community” in all they do. According to Alice Zaccarello, Executive Director, “Whether we are sharing a meal, playing a game, discussing a devotional or working through a life-skills exercise, we do it together. These provide opportunities for friendships to develop and relationships to grow.”
As they learn to know, accept and trust each other, members of the Well begin to discover new ways to care for one another. Program Manager Ericka Ruiz observes this in real time. “Just last week, one of the members brought in his own birthday cake to share with the whole group. It turns out he had the same birthday as Oprah Winfrey, so he had it decorated with his and her picture on it. They had a great time enjoying the treat and talking about other famous people.”
Sally* makes a point to get to various food pantries throughout the week to pick up items for herself. But she also keeps an eye out for special foods that she knows friends at the Well Community would enjoy. “It’s nothing for me to do,” she says. “I’m blessed and glad to be able to share with others.” Sally is also faithful to find items for members who aren’t as mobile and can’t always get to resources. In addition, each time, without fail, Sally contributes bottles of water for retreats.
If you ask new visitors how they found out about the Well Community, chances are good they will say that Jorge invited them. “He loves the Well and his friends here, so he’s always telling others about it,” recounts Ericka.
She also relates a time when an elderly member’s heart monitor signaled, and he was carried to medical help in an ambulance. As soon as he left, members gathered together to pray for him, and several visited him in the hospital over the following days. “Our members are very caring for each other,” says Ericka. “One time when our van was in the shop, several of our van riders worked out the bus routes and made plans to rendezvous at a specific stop so they could ride together and help each other find their way to the Well. No one wanted to miss a day at the Well, nor did they want their friends to miss out.”
“Our members struggle with so much just in living each day,” says Alice. “It is terrific to see how they come together as a community to help each other make it work.”
*names are pseudonyms
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