Although members of the Well Community often face stigma and rejection because of their struggles with mental health difficulties, at the Well they find a place where others accept and enjoy them. For some, the Well has been a place of friendship and belonging over many years where they have built bonds of companionship and mutual support. In short, they have learned how to love each other well.
Their dedication to one another is evident every time they gather. It shows in the way they ask about each other’s week. It’s demonstrated when one stops on the way to the Well to get a soda and also brings one to a buddy. It’s clearly visible when they sit to pray with a friend having a hard day. It’s shown when they find a way to get to a hospital to visit a fellow Well member who has been admitted.
Recently during morning devotions, members were challenged to consider, “What task has God given you?” In response, several noted that their task was to be a good friend to the others in the room. Longtime member Laura* explained that one by one her siblings have been passing away, and she realizes that her friends at the Well are also her family. “So, my task from God is to love them like I have loved my sisters and brother.”
Even during game time, they show care for each other. A rule the members added to the weekly bingo game is that if you win more than one round, you must give the prize for an extra win to someone else in the room. They keep playing until everyone there has a prize—even the non-players!
Ericka Ruiz, Manager of Program Operations for the Well Community, says she has seen members love other members consistently over the 10 years she has worked there. “One reason I have brought my children to Thursday Night Life is for them to see how generous the members are to each other. They have so little, but they give so much. I wanted my kids to see how you can share with others and be content with whatever you have, be it a lot or a little.”
Members of the Well Community are also generous in helping each other find resources. One woman’s job is at one of the large entertainment venues in Dallas in which periodic charity events are held throughout the year. She often brings in flyers about food or clothing giveaways so all Well members can be informed.
Whether through hugs, prayers, prizes or info, members of the Well look out for each other, care for each other, love each other. And they do it very well.
Volunteers are a vital part of our members’ experience at the Well. Through them members see modeled healthy expressions of care and comfort. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, click here.
*pseudonym