Dear Friends,
As I sit down to write this letter, more hopeful news is emerging in the U.S. economy. Interest rates are going down and last week, I paid less than $3 per gallon at the pump. I hope that this kind of relief will continue.
Wellspring’s longtime history supporting local families and residents has taught us that true recovery from a personal financial crisis takes time, at least 18-36 months. Right now, across the U.S. nearly 40% of all adults could not handle an unexpected $400 expense such as a car repair or modest medical bill. Wellspring staff sees this playing out every single day among the 450 families and young adults who participate in our programs each year.
With news like this, it’s natural to want to do something meaningful to help. Your support of Wellspring is exactly that—an opportunity to make a lasting difference for individuals and families who are working hard to build stable and secure futures. Rather than feel defeated by this challenge, you can be confident that with your help, Wellspring is meeting individuals’ needs head-on, with lasting results.
The secret to our success is that we offer a path forward and provide tools to help parents and young adults reach their goals. Our slate of services—like housing assistance, education, job training, and career coaching—are here whenever people are ready to take the next step. With such a breadth of offerings, parents and young adults can continue working with Wellspring for years. Your support allows Wellspring to solve barriers like a lack of transportation or childcare, so that people can pursue their dreams of stable employment and financial security.
Let me tell you about Mathilde. She came to Wellspring’s family shelter determined to rebuild a life for herself and her newborn daughter. With guidance from our case managers, Mathilde took the initiative to enroll in Wellspring’s English for Speakers of Other Languages course, knowing it would increase her chances of earning a higher wage. She worked diligently to save money, and meet with landlords. In September, she and her daughter moved into a new apartment. Now, Mathilde is interviewing for childcare jobs and is on her way to earning a living wage. Wellspring will continue to provide support for the next two years as she pursues new opportunities for education and professional development.
Mathilde’s story is a powerful example. As the year draws to a close, I invite you to make a meaningful financial gift to Wellspring. You can do so knowing that you are helping hundreds of people this year to reach their goals.
Thank you for your generosity! In a time when challenges remain, you are choosing to support those who are making major changes in their own lives. Together, we are creating a stronger and more hopeful community.
With deep gratitude,
Melissa A. Dimond, Sc.M.
President & Executive Director