Dear Friends,
Wellspring has always been about a new way of looking at things. We’ve created a paradigm shift in the way the physical and cognitive limitations of adults with special needs are regarded. We’ve also created innovative programs that empower our STARS and serve these individuals in a new way. We believe that when God said His plans are “to prosper you and not to harm you…to give you a hope and future,” there was no exception for individuals with special needs. While the last few months have been especially challenging to our community, we are undeterred in advancing our mission. In fact, our team has proven to be more resilient, creative, innovative and dedicated than ever before. Here is a review of how the Wellspring Community has adapted:
April 6, 2020
In record time, our amazing staff transitioned all classes to virtual programming to provide our STARS dance, science, sign language, art, baking and so much more – right into their homes. These online classes have been critical in providing the socialization, structure and consistency our folks need.
Expense Reduction As the Stay-at-Home orders took a financial toll on our revenue stream, our leadership team made the difficult, but necessary decisions and cut expenses by 12 percent.
COVID-19 Protocols
Our leadership team has worked tirelessly, and in collaboration with medical experts and government entities, to develop Wellspring COVID-19 Program Policies & Protocols. We strive to ensure the health and safety of our STARS, staff, volunteers and community partners.
July 13, 2020
In response to the needs of our families, our team quickly engaged 4 additional nearby churches to offer a cohort experience for in-person programming. This way, we can limit class sizes in compliance with COVID-19 safety protocols. On July 13, 2020 we initiated our hybrid programming at 5 locations. STARS could attend in-person classes for three hours per day and participate online for the other half of the day.
September 9, 2020
The success of our part-time, in-person programming led to the launch of full-day, in-person programming at three locations. Our STARS are once again receiving 6 hours a day of innovative classes in a supported peer environment. Our virtual program continues to remain strong and provides optimal at home engagements for those STARS who are safer at home.
Evening of Inspiration
We are currently developing engaging and creative plans for our first ever in-person and virtual Evening of Inspiration on November 5, allowing everyone to participate!
Once again, we’ve taken a different view of things. Because of God’s grace, we are paving a future of hope for our Wellspring community.
We are grateful for these achievements during such extraordinary times which are only possible because of your prayers, support and encouragement. As one of our donors, we want you to know what your gift has helped us accomplish. THANK YOU for helping make it possible for our STARS to thrive and grow even during these unprecedented times.
With heartfelt thanks,
The Wellspring STARS and STAFF