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A Well World: Sustaining Service
In my career serving with nonprofits, I have found that one of the most critical elements for success, yet one of the most challenging to lay hold of, is a cadre of volunteers who are both faithful and proactive. At The Well Community we are fortunate to have a host of such people who work alongside us to bring about good for Well Members. The […]
Read MoreAn Ambassador for The Well
Margy was already a regular volunteer at The Well Community, but she knew she wanted to do more. She first heard about the numerous ways The Well serves those living with serious mental illnesses at church as Vickie Fisk, who would eventually found The Well Auxiliary, regularly shared the need for donations and volunteers. Several times Margy answered the call as she joined others from […]
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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 […]
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Seven 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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