WELL COMMUNITY

The Well Community offers long-term support to low-income individuals living with mental illness. We address the social conditions and psychological factors that impact the ability to live meaningful and stable lives. Case Management is an integral part of the program, and staff help Community Members secure needed resources such as housing, food, clothing, benefits, legal aid and crisis intervention. Additionally, a nutritious meal is served every Monday through Thursday.

One of the most insidious side-effects of mental illness is the destructive impact it has on interpersonal relationships. Most of our Community Members come to The Well feeling isolated and lonely, many having been abandoned by their families and most shunned by society. Multiple research studies have shown that recidivism rates for psychiatric hospitalization and incarceration have more to do with a patient’s social support system than any other factor. At The Well, the building of healthy relationships through community is a critical component of mental health, and an essential part of psychiatric stability.

Since 2002, The Well has provided a continuum of care for low-income individuals who are living with chronic mental illness. In 2019 we served 259 adults. We serve our members through professional staff who offer case management, life-skill training and compassionate care. We also depend heavily on volunteers. In 2019 289 individuals volunteered to teach classes, lead Bible studies and worship services, prepare and serve meals and demonstrate acceptance through friendship. None of our services though, would be possible without the strong financial support from individuals, families, foundations, trusts, churches, businesses and local organizations.

Our main accomplishment is that we provide space in our community where people living with life altering mental illnesses who have no where else to go have a place to belong. We are a welcoming environment where they are accepted and respected, where they make friends, where they participate in fun activities, where they have educational opportunities, where they gather for worship and where they receive help. It are expanding our services with an outreach program to adults living with mental illness in the community that are underserved and face homelessness to help them gain access to social services, affirmation and acceptance.