Hope in Unexpected Places
A Story from Pete - Wellspring Teacher, Mentor, & Support Staff
At this morning’s Wellspring Giving Society Breakfast, Pete shared a story that highlights how the heart of our mission is rooted in everyday moments.
Pete and his Photo Scavenger Hunt class set out for Guitar Center but hit a snag when it wasn’t open yet and quickly pivoted. With cameras in hand and excitement in tow, the class headed to Bath and Body Works. The class sniffed soaps, gave samples to Pete and Chuck (a wonderful volunteer), laughed, and snapped some photos.
Soon after arriving, a woman approached Pete and asked, “Are these girls with you?”
“Yes, is everything ok?” Pete replied.
She shook her head, “Where are you all from?”
Pete and Chuck told her about Wellspring Community and the variety of classes and opportunities available to adults with I/DD.
With tears in her eyes, she let out a sigh and said, “I have a 16-year-old daughter with Down Syndrome. Every day when she gets home from school, she goes straight into her room and closes the door. I hardly see her at all anymore. She has no friends, she’s very depressed and at dinner she is just staring at her phone. I don’t know what to do.”
She went on to say, “I am watching these girls, and I can’t believe my eyes! How much fun they’re having, laughing taking pictures together… I want this for my daughter!” Before leaving, she took Pete’s hand, squeezed it and said, “Thank you. Thank you for hope. I don’t know why I stopped in here today, but I am so glad I did.”
Pete said it best this morning, “Every day when I walk through the front doors I’m not sure what to expect, maybe I’ll provide mentorship for one of our newer teachers, inspire a student to take a picture that’ll end up on a gallery wall or sell for hundreds of dollars (it’s happened!) and I wonder what they will teach me today. Or maybe today’s the day we give a mom in a Bath and Body Works something she’s been searching for, Hope.”
Spark of Gratitude for Valor Christian High School
Thank You Chemistry Club
We always love welcoming the Valor Chemistry Club! Earlier this spring, students from Valor High School brought their enthusiasm and energy to Wellspring. They joined us for Morning Huddle, helped lead classroom activities, and ended the day with a spark as they shared a chemistry demonstration with the whole program. We are so grateful for their partnership and the joyful learning it always brings to our community.
Upcoming Events & Important Dates
Don’t miss out! There are a lot of exciting things happening at Wellspring, see below.
Welcome to Wellspring Community Tour
Experience Wellspring! Learn more about the heart of our mission and connect with our community.
Upcoming Tour Dates:
- May 22nd
- June 5th
- June 19th
Club 21
Club 21 is a once-a-month social event hosted by Wellspring Community and designed to give adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities a place to socialize, relax and have a great time. Club 21 also gives parents and caregivers a night off! Participants must pre-register and pay in advance.
Graphic by Kiersten
Program Closure
Wellspring Offices and programming will be closed on Monday, May 26th for Memorial Day.