February 2024

February serves as a reminder of love and makes us more aware of deeper things in life, faith, love, and hope for a better world. It also allows us to examine some of our assumptions and open ourselves up to the possibility of receiving love from unexpected places. People with I/DD are full of individuality, potential, and have so much to offer our communities. Stars at Wellspring demonstrate what can happen when everyone has a hand in fostering a community built on mutual care and understanding. Wellspring’s Heart to Hand class shows us the power of community two mornings a week through regular visits to local assisted living and senior centers.  

 Members of this class volunteer their time with the sole purpose of bringing joy to others. Whether it is playing a board game, striking up a conversation, or providing hand massages to the residents – this class is making a real impact in the lives of the residents at Valley House. One remarkable example is Larry, a resident who enjoys spending time with the class and has made a new friend in Colton.  

Since the beginning of the trimester, Larry and Colton have become friends and have bonded over their shared sense of adventure. The two have talked about their travels and other things they have in common- usually over a game of UNO or Animal Alphabet. Colton really enjoyed learning about Larry’s travels to Mount Rushmore and touring the site on a cable car. When Colton talks about Larry he says, “Larry is my good friend… I like that he is adventurous like me.” 

This partnership is a unique opportunity for connection and creating new friendships and understanding. Catherine, Program Teacher, notes that Wellspring Stars have made strides in their confidence engaging with community members and initiating conversations with others. Colton says that his favorite thing about visiting the senior center is, “making all of these people happy.”  

Connections like these demonstrate how Wellspring and the community at large are enriched when people with I/DD are active, valued, empowered members of it. Together, we are building a community where every individual is an integral part of the story.