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A Well World: Acute Awareness
In these closing days of 2018 I have been thinking about the people who call The Well Community their place to belong. And I’ve been thinking about what their year might have been like if we hadn’t been able to offer this safe, welcoming place and these much-needed services to our members. It’s a sobering reflection, which leads me to two other thoughts: First, how […]
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2018 Christmas Celebration
Our annual Christmas Celebration was a great success, thanks to donors and volunteers. Like all activities and programs at The Well Community, the meaningful worship service and festive holiday party happened because the wider community turned out to help. Special thanks for the meal to volunteers from Cliff Temple Baptist Church, Kessler Park United Methodist Church, St. Jude’s Church and The Well Auxiliary. Brent McDougal, […]
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A Well World: Basic Blessings
Like many of you, my Thanksgiving Day tradition includes taking some time to count my blessings. So many are obvious: good health, loving family, ample food, a warm home, faithful friends, a great neighborhood, an uplifting church, meaningful work. I suspect most of those items are on your list, too. In fact, for most of us, if we’re not careful to stop and take inventory […]
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The Gift of Listening
By Catherine Downing and Elizabeth Downing posted with permission As the holiday season goes into full swing, we are aware of what comes with our celebrations: lots of activities, generous dessert tables and endless gatherings. It is, indeed, a time to be surrounded by family and friends. Most of us greet this time of the year with open arms and excitement; we look forward to […]
Read MoreSeven Things Families Can Do to Support a Loved One Living With Mental Illness
It’s hard to overstate the impact that caring family members can have in the lives of individuals dealing with serious mental illnesses. Those living with mental health challenges may engage with their families far more than their mental health care providers, and everyday interactions with parents, children, spouses, siblings and other relatives play a pivotal role in helping them pursue stability. Below are seven things […]
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A Well World: Beyond Awareness
Through the efforts of many advocates, thankfully there is a growing awareness of mental illnesses and the struggles of those who live with them. But, on its own, just knowledge of the hurdles faced by individuals living with mental health conditions doesn’t necessarily provide help. I talked with our members about what others could do to provide support and encouragement. It turns out, there are […]
Read MoreIt’s the Staff
A while ago, P.T., a member of The Well Community, was asked, “What makes The Well a special place?” He listed a number of things such as being treated as a human being, having a safe place to go to and having spiritual as well as practical needs met. Then he paused and added, “Really, it’s the staff.” The Well provides services, programs and meals […]
Read MoreA Retreat of Faith and Rest
For many Well Community members, faith provides a place of refuge and strength in the midst of the chaos of mental illness. But, as is the case for most who struggle with serious mental health challenges, getting away to rest and cultivate their faith is a luxury that’s out of reach. The Well Community’s twice-annual overnight spiritual retreats enable them to escape the noise of […]
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A Well World: Thanks for Giving Day
It was a great day. One hundred nineteen people participated with The Well Community. Some of them were also among the more than 70 gathered to celebrate partnership, generosity and the hope for recovery. By the end of the day, $48, 249 in contributions were made by people who truly care. That total allowed us to also receive a $20,000 matching grant kindly provided by […]
Read MoreDonated Shoes for Suicide Awareness
It was a ceremony on the fourth floor of the Old Red Museum in downtown Dallas that no one should have to attend, but perhaps everyone should witness. It was the 10th annual Suicide Prevention Day event hosted by the Greater Dallas Suicide Prevention Coalition. The program is held in honor of those who took their lives in Dallas county and surrounding areas each year. […]
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