Greetings Wellspring Community,
It is with much excitement and anticipation that I write my first newsletter update as Executive Director. I would like to start by first thanking everyone for your prayers and your support as we have made this transition. We were all deeply saddened to say goodbye to Bob Bush but comforted to know he is not far away. He has even promised to return for a classic Wellspring dance party as soon as we are all back together again.
It has been 4 months since we closed our in-person programming and we are very excited to reopen half day in-person programming next Monday. Due to new health and safety guidelines we will be meeting at six different locations in cohorts of 10 people to minimize exposure and cross contamination of COVID-19. It will be an adjustment for all of us, staff and STARS alike, as we get used to being in smaller groups and different locations. We have instituted new health and safety measures in an effort to reduce risk and allow those STARS who are ready to have a great in-person experience once again. Many of our STARS are not yet ready to come back and we are grateful for our strong online programming that will continue to provide up to 4 hours of class each weekday.
As we look back over the last 4 months, it’s hard to believe all that has transpired. It is also incredible to see all that has been accomplished. We see our STARS thriving at home each day in their Zoom classes, making us laugh, bringing us joy. We have seen our teachers knock it out of the park with incredible content and online delivery. We have seen our donors step up and fill in the gap for us financially during a time when we need it most. Through it all we have seen God’s tender faithfulness, to Wellspring, to our staff, to our families and to our STARS.
As we look forward to the rest of summer and into the fall, we hold all of our plans very loosely, knowing now that things can change any day. We hope to continue to expand our in-person services, adding hours, days and people to the program. We know our teachers will continue to provide engaging educational experiences for our STARS, whether in person or online. Regardless of what the next several months hold for us, one thing we know for certain is that we can continue to place our trust in God and His loving provision for each of us and for Wellspring as a whole. He is making each of us stronger through this and He is making Wellspring stronger as well. Please continue to pray for our staff, our STARS, our families and our extended community throughout the next month. It is your prayers that carry us through and we are ever so grateful.
Blessings,
Nicole DeVries
