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We are Family
In 2002, Joel Pulis started The Well Community at Cliff Temple Baptist Church in North Oak Cliff, building on his dream to help the neighborhood’s underserved people struggling with mental illnesses. It was then that Becky Wilson, a middle-aged woman who deals with bipolar disorder, was walking past Cliff Temple and ran into Joel and assured her she would enjoy The Well. And she does.
Read MoreA Well World: Incredible Good
REFLECTIONS FROM ALICE ZACCARELLO, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Part of my job as executive director at The Well Community is compiling information to make reports—to the Board of Directors, to funders, to our donors. This research gives me the opportunity to look at broad trends and consider the overall impact in the lives of our members. Each time I do this I stand back and marvel at […]
Read MoreRestoring Community: Addressing Mental Illness and Homelessness at The Well
“There is a delicate relationship between homelessness and mental illness,” shares Alice Zaccarello, executive director of The Well Community. “Mental illness affects the physical, psychological, emotional, social, occupational and spiritual lives of those living with such disorders.” Those managing mental health challenges often struggle to secure adequate housing, maintain relationships with family, manage their finances, utilize public transportation, hold down jobs and stick with their treatment plans—all factors that increase their risk of becoming homeless.
Read MoreJacob’s House: A Haven from Homelessness
Tucked behind a magnolia tree and several leafy shrubs on a quiet street in Oak Cliff sits an unassuming, pale yellow house. It’s two stories tall, with wide windows and an expansive front porch, not far from the local coffee shops, restaurants and boutique stores popping up along Davis Street and Bishop Arts. This is Jacob’s House, a City of Dallas licensed boarding house run […]
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A Well World: Awareness Moments
As we end the month of May we complete the time each year when many in the mental health community try to raise greater awareness about mental illnesses.
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Scrapping Seven Myths About Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is one of the most debilitating mental illnesses. It’s also among the most misunderstood. This serious, chronic disease can cause hallucinations, delusions and difficulty concentrating, as well as social withdrawal and emotional unresponsiveness. And, due to misunderstandings about this condition, those who are already struggling often deal with social prejudice as well.
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Seven Facts Everyone Needs to Know About Mental Illnesses
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and it’s the perfect time to learn more about the mental health conditions that affect over 50 million Americans every year—including people you know. Learning about mental illnesses is the first step to standing up against stigma and supporting those who struggle. 1. Mental illness is common. Mental illnesses are more common than cancer, diabetes or heart disease. One […]
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A Well World: Cycles and Swings
Susie* bounces through the door, greeting all the members with great excitement. Maybe too much excitement. She encircles me with a robust hug. Yes, for sure, too robust. And then come the words. Very, very many words. Words about a rock musician she used to date and how he’s going to come see her next month and how he’ll bring some of his rock star […]
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Busting 10 Myths About Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental illness that impacts nearly 6 million Americans every year. It causes dramatic shifts in a person’s mood and energy. These highs and lows, known as mania and depression, impact the ability to think and function. Misconceptions about bipolar disorder abound, and many aren’t harmless misunderstandings. Below are 10 common myths that hurt those dealing with bipolar disorder—and the facts.
Read MoreGive and Receive: Volunteer Service at The Well
They could be elsewhere—at a ballgame, having dinner with friends, working late. But they are not. Instead, every Thursday evening from 5 to 8 p.m., a handful of volunteers come to The Well Community in Oak Cliff to join in worship and serve the meal they have provided and prepared for Thursday Night Life. One of our weekly events, this is an evening of worship […]
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