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A Well World: A Place Where Love Thrives
It was a truly joyous occasion. A few months ago, two of our members tied the knot in front of many of their friends from the Well Community. And as we rejoiced with them in their marriage, we felt waves of gratitude for the power of love in the lives of people who, many times, struggle to find it. Like all of us, those living […]
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Connection That Counters Despair
Loneliness has made the headlines a lot over the past few years as the pandemic highlighted the impact of isolation on our wellbeing. A 2023 advisory, “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation,” summed up a wealth of evidence that loneliness increases risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety and premature death, likening its effects to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day. In it, […]
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A Well World: To Love Well
Valentine’s Day is just a few weeks away. We’re planning annual activities and looking forward to the fun we always have. In light of that, I’ve been thinking about what it means to love, and even more, to love well. That thought takes me to the greatest lover of all, Jesus, and to his teachings on love. What can we learn from his examples and […]
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A Tiny Part Yields Big Blessings
Twenty-one years. That’s how long Pat and Mike Packard have been supporting the Well Community. “Initially we got involved because our friend’s son, Joel Pulis, was starting it, and he was doing great work. There is much work to be done with mental illness in the Oak Cliff community and, quite frankly, at large—mental illness is everywhere. We knew the Well was a worthwhile organization, […]
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Chronic Compassion
Offering “a hand up rather than a handout” is an often-repeated phrase in the nonprofit world. For many dealing with challenges such as homelessness and poverty, assistance in improving their situation can be an empowering turning point. But most adults living with serious mental illnesses face the reality that their situation may never improve enough for them to fully escape their ongoing suffering.
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A Well World: Blessed are the Meek
Ever since childhood I have loved the mystery and magic of the Christmas season. My siblings and I were mesmerized by the thought of a rotund old man leaving our most wished-for treasure under our tree. Each year we would try to catch a glimpse of him, but inevitably sleep would win out and we’d miss our spy moment.
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Service That Brings Joy
The Global Affairs class at Cliff Temple Baptist Church has volunteered together at the Well Community for a decade. They’ve lent a hand in several ways, including serving lunch at the Well’s Community Life Center. But, as Kay Frierson, a member of this class, shares, “What we really love doing is hosting the big Christmas banquet.” For 10 years, the class has provided the festive […]
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Generosity That Makes the Season Bright
Most of us think of the holidays as a time of togetherness, a season for gathering with people we love, making memories, enjoying traditions and taking a break from the ordinary. But for many who live with serious mental illnesses—people like members of the Well Community—this time of year can magnify and highlight the isolation that’s present year-round. And it can be laden with numerous […]
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A Well World: Retreat, Relax, Relate
We had a wonderful time at our fall spiritual retreat. As always, it was a special experience as Well members and staff were able to relax and recharge. It was also a terrific time to continue to develop our friendships and to share special moments like the hayride, bonfire and crafts. Retreats happen because generous donors provide scholarships for all Well members to have to […]
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