Why Give to Wellspring - A Case for Giving

We hear the word “Justice” more frequently than ever these days.  Our President and other world leaders speak of bringing to justice those who have committed unspeakable wrongs.  All of us believe evil should not go unpunished, and we have a deep need to feel that justice is being done.  Yet, as Americans, we also believe that justice means the innocent should not suffer—those who have least, with the least power to protect themselves.  These are the children and families driven from their homes—far away or here at home. 

We can’t help but be aware, not only of the flight of refugees in other parts of the world, but of working families in the United States who earn so little they must choose between paying rent, buying food, or keeping warm.  When we recognize such need, we desire justice—the kind called social justice—the kind of justice Wellspring House, Inc. exists to serve in every way it can.  Wellspring serves that ideal through practical, tried-and-true programs that help our neighbors in our own communities.  By using 20 years of experience, Wellspring works effectively at local, regional, state, and national levels, to seek long-term solutions, as well as immediate relief for people in need.

The practical, proven ways that Wellspring works for social justice include:

Providing Emergency Shelter

“Since welfare reform, the number of families receiving shelter has increased steadily, with the private sector increasingly stepping in to shelter homeless families who have been deemed ineligible for state-funded shelter.”[1]

This most basic need of shelter must be provided to our families if we are to call ourselves a just society.  Sheltering is an emergency response, not a solution.  Wellspring works to prevent family homelessness through housing, education, and jobs.  While working on long-term solutions to this national and local crisis, Wellspring provides a hospitable refuge for our guests.

In our fiscal year 2001, Wellspring sheltered 14 families:  14 women, 3 men, and 23 children.  In addition, Wellspring staff received 97 requests for shelter and helped families with referrals.  Four of these families were moved to permanent homes:  One to public housing in Gloucester, and three with Section VIII subsidies to Salem and Peabody.

Seeking Long-term/Sustainable Solutions to Housing

“Nearly two out of five of all Massachusetts renters (about 360,000) cannot meet their non-housing expenses at a minimum level of adequacy after paying their rent.”[2]

Wellspring maintains a lodging house for ten single people and a small apartment house.  In addition, during fiscal year 2001, Wellspring House administered seven subsidies through the North Shore Consortium Grant.  These rental subsidies enabled local families to remain in housing when their rents increased.  Seven families were saved from the threat of homelessness, but much more assistance is needed for the 35 families who applied and could not be helped.

Aware that the need for housing goes far beyond local capacity, Wellspring sponsored research conducted by the McCormack Institute of the University of Massachusetts and helped to form a regional task force, including Wellspring Board Members.  In July 2000, this led to the incorporation of the North Shore Housing Trust, a regional non-profit organization.  Wellspring’s Executive Director, Nancy Schwoyer, was elected its first president.  The Trust’s purpose is the preservation and creation of homes affordable to low- and moderate-income families. 

Keeping Families Whole and Healthy

“Close to 18% of all children in Massachusetts are poor, and almost one in ten is very poor.”[3]

Wellspring Cape Ann Families’ program supports families—children, moms and dads—and strengthens bonds.  Family education, mentoring, and support are provided through the Nurturing Program—a 16- week course for the entire family which focuses on establishing consistent family roles; Parent Aide—offering training and supervision from volunteer mentors; a Fathers’ Support Group; and a Parent Connection group.

Sponsoring/Creating Alternative/Practical Education

“There are 667,000 people in the state’s workforce who have earned a high school diploma or GED, but still lack basic math, reading, writing, language, and analytic skills at the level considered acceptable for the typical 21^st century workplace.”[4]

Wellspring’s educational programs provide a continuum from literacy through to college.

In fiscal year 2001, 19 women graduated from Wellspring’s rigorous Foundations seven-course program—four of which are credited by North Shore Community College.  In total, more than 100 women have graduated from Foundations and gone on to higher levels of education or training, working towards attaining a family-sustaining job.

The Fireman Scholars Project, of which Wellspring is a part, has sponsored 25 Scholars whose educational goals range from obtaining certificates to obtaining master’s degrees.  Courses completed by these Scholars include surgical technician, medical assistant programs, and, in some cases, four-year degrees.  The emphasis is on the leadership these women will provide for the future of other women and families.

In June of this year, Wellspring launched the MediClerk program in partnership with Northeast Health Systems, who guaranteed jobs for 10 of 12 women upon completion of the 12-week program.  The program included training in computer skills, medical language, and accounting.

The Transition to Work program, administered by North Shore Community Action Programs, is a collaboration of North Shore Family Shelters that provides basic training, (e.g. computers), financial help for transportation, childcare, and other expenses that make possible a steady movement towards self-sufficiency.

The Jump Start Program helps men and women with academic skill building in language arts, math, and reading.  Each student will work with staff to create a simple, personalized plan—outlining education and training that will lead to their personal career goals.

Sustaining/Building/Creating Economic Development

Over 25% of workers in Cape Ann are home-based or self-employed. [5]

Wellspring’s Economic Development staff work with over 70 local small businesses, providing education, networking, loans, and mentoring from experienced business people.  These local businesses have created jobs and generated revenues of over $2 million to help our local economy.  In addition, Wellspring staff is researching a feasible business for Wellspring to develop, which will generate revenues for our mission and offer job training and employment opportunities.

Relying on Our Partners

This is a broad overview of the miracles that happen everyday at Wellspring House—through which our neighbors are provided shelter, housing, support, education, and jobs.  This year, Wellspring must raise $800,000, 53 percent of the operating budget.  Our donors and supporters have never failed to help us reach our goals.  We need you now, more than ever.

We ask you, during this time of great outpouring of generosity in support of our nation, to remember the work that must be done in our own community.  Please take the opportunity to promote justice for all—very directly—by supporting Wellspring’s work.

Ways to Help Us Meet our Annual Goal:

v    Give a one-time general gift to Wellspring or designate a gift to a particular program

v    Pledge your support to be made in payments spread out over time.  For your convenience, we accept MasterCard and Visa payments.

v    Make a tax-advantaged gift of appreciated stocks, bonds, or mutual fund shares.

v    Designate your gift through the United Way or other employee giving campaigns.

For more information on making a gift to Wellspring House, call our Development Office at (978) 281-3558, ext. 302.  Wellspring’s Executive Director, members of our Development staff, and Board Development Committee are always available to meet with you.