Stay Updated on Latest News from the Well Community
A Well World: Not Alone
“Friendship arises out of mere companionship when two or more of the companions discover that they have in common some insight or interest or even taste which the others do not share and which, till that moment, each believed to be his own unique treasure (or burden). The typical expression of opening Friendship would be something like, ‘What? You too? I thought I was the […]
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Caring for One Another
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 […]
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More Than Food: The Power of Meals in Community
In the age of dining delivery services and grocery subscriptions, it can be easy to take for granted readily available meals. But for those living with serious mental health conditions, the source of the next breakfast, lunch or dinner is often uncertain, and lack of access to regular, nutritious food can compound the daily struggles of their illnesses. Like poverty and housing insecurity, food insecurity […]
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A Well World: Sustaining Support
I’d like to offer a special shoutout to a precious group of people who have determined to help make the Well Community a thriving, safe and welcoming place. Those who participate in our Well Wishers Circle give donations every month, knowing that having a steady, reliable financial foundation makes it possible for us to serve members of the Well with confidence. We launched the Circle […]
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Well Wishers Circle: Life-giving Anchor
“Ho. Ho. Ho,” are three of Ricky Lawson’s favorite words, and he repeats them over and over each year as he portrays Santa for the Well Community’s annual holiday party. “Those times when I’m Santa, every single member comes and sits down next to me, and I get to put my arm around them and hug them. They tell me what’s happening in their lives […]
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Hope Cultivated in Community
Hope can be elusive for those dealing with serious mental illnesses—people like members of the Well Community. Believing that life can be better and that they can take steps toward stability can seem immensely difficult or nearly impossible amid diseases with no cures and stigma that discriminates and demeans. But when our members are together, what appears out of reach becomes possible. As they come […]
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Celebrating the Holidays
Our members enjoyed a wonderful holiday celebration this year thanks to many generous friends of the Well Community! The Global Affairs and Journey Sunday school classes from Cliff Temple Baptist Church provided a delicious traditional Christmas feast, and the church’s senior pastor, Gannon Simms, gave the message for our worship service. Kessler Park United Methodist Church blessed us with music, as well as with desserts […]
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Five Gifts to Help Those Living With Mental Illness Navigate the Holidays
Amid the carols in the air and the homes and businesses decked out with lights, it’s important to remember that mental illnesses don’t take holidays off. For some who live with mental health conditions, the Christmas season can be an especially challenging time as extra social situations, changes in routines and expectations of merriment and cheer add additional hurdles on top of everyday struggles. However, […]
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Retreat and Relax
Once again, our Fall Spiritual Retreat was a great time to rest and reflect. From gathering fall leaves for making a pumpkin collage, to roasting marshmallows, to our traditional hayride and bonfire, members of the Well Community enjoyed the autumn temperatures and warm fellowship. They also played basketball and went on walks. Bingo and movie night with popcorn and snacks were big hits! Special thanks […]
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Four Myths About Co-Occurring Disorders
Those who live with mental illnesses don’t deal with them in a vacuum. Challenges such as housing, poverty, poor physical health and discrimination add layers of difficulty to pursuing stability. And one of these challenges, substance use, can have a particularly profound impact. The combination of mental illness and substance use disorder is known as co-occurring disorders or dual diagnosis, and it’s relatively common. According […]
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