Catherine and Nelson Downing first visited the Well Community about 15 years ago at the invitation of a friend who regularly volunteered. “It was the annual Christmas party,” Catherine recalled. “At that time members submitted the name of something they would like to have as a Christmas present, and the staff would purchase these items with donated funds. The gifts were wrapped in bright paper with the recipient’s name on them, and the volunteers would hand them out.” Catherine says she was particularly touched when one woman teared up as she opened a lovely picture frame and said, “Now I have a place to put my grandchildren’s photo.”
Thus began a long-term relationship between the Downings and the Well. They continued to volunteer from time to time, often bringing friends from their church to help out. “One year we also decided to participate in North Texas Giving Day and sent in a modest gift for the Well,” said Nelson. Later that year we responded to an appeal for Walmart gift cards for Christmas. At one point, when we considered how to share some of an inheritance, it was natural to give a part of it to the Well,” he continued.
When the Well launched the Well Wishers Circle and invited donors to consider giving monthly, the Downings jumped at the opportunity. “Giving every month helps the administration know what funds they have to work with,” Nelson commented. “It also helps us to be faithful and not overlook the opportunity to support this incredible organization.”
Over the years the Downings have increased their monthly giving. Now they contribute four times the amount they started with. “As we have been blessed, we are thankful to provide for others,” Catherine said.
“Our Well Wishers Circle,” explains Executive Director Alice Zaccarello, “is made up of donors whose compassion for those who suffer with severe and chronic mental illnesses compels them to generously support the Well Community on a monthly basis. Well Wishers’ gifts help the Well provide nutritious meals, life-skills training and Thursday Night Life worship services as well as parties and retreats. They also play a key role in giving the residents of Jacob’s House, our group home for men, a safe, stable place to live. But most importantly, regular gifts help us continue to gather as a community, one where members understand and accept each other just as they are—a life-giving anchor.”
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