Wellspring Multi-Service Center Offering a hand up, not a handout to those in need
inspire success Sounds good, right?
W
hat inspires someone to do the right
thing? What inspires someone to help a
stranger? We at Wellspring believe it is in
the nature of humans to seek opportunities to lend a
hand. Wellspring was founded in that belief, and we
strive to give a hand up, not a handout, to every client
and every family that seeks our assistance.
Our Mission
To provide support and
skills to people facing
challenges to their financial,
physical or emotional
well-being in order to help
them achieve independence
and self-sufficiency.
our values:
n
Compassion
n
D
ignity
n
E
mpowerment
n
R
espect
n
R
esponsibility
Success takes on many shapes, and success means
different things to different people. For some
Wellspring students, success means earning a
Secondary School Diploma or GED. For other
students, it means learning to read or write, with the
hope that someday the skills they have earned will
position them to receive a credential. Success to many
means that you reach a level of independence and selfsufficiency where you no longer need the assistance of
an organization like Wellspring. To others, success is
knowing where the next meal will come from while
you are looking to take the first steps on the path
to independence. No matter what an individual’s
definition of success is, Wellspring is there to provide
inspiration and hope.
As Wellspring embarks on Inspire Success: The
Campaign for Wellspring, we look back on our
successes and setbacks. We seek to improve upon our
triumphs and learn from our challenges. In 2003,
Wellspring completed its last capital campaign, which
allowed the organization to purchase the building that
currently houses the many programs now available at
Wellspring. At that time, Wellspring served 400 people
annually. Today, Wellspring lends a hand to more than
3,500 people each year. The increase is in part due to
the growing need, but much of it can be attributed to
Wellspring’s ability to recognize problems and create
solutions. Each problem solved provides another
service for current clients while creating opportunities
for more people in the community.
Inspire Success: The Campaign for Wellspring is not
about buildings, it’s about people. Proper space allows
Wellspring to serve the community with dignity,
respect and compassion. By growing our facilities, we
can continue to grow the programs that impact lives
and inspire success.
We invite you to join us in creating hope for neighbors
in need. We invite you to help us inspire success!
Vinny Harte
Executive Director
inspire success | the campaign for Wellspring 1
What Does a
Hand Up, Not a
Handout, Mean?
In real life, a hand up looks like these victories of Calvin, Joni, and Tina:
Calvin
Tina
Calvin lost his wife last year after a long illness
Tina, a single mother with three children, had
and recently lost his job due to company layoffs.
just returned from back surgery and her family
His 12-year-old daughter is struggling with grief
was out of food. The night before Thanksgiving,
ounded as a thrift shop 25 years ago,
Wellspring Multi-Service Center has
expanded as new community needs have
been identified. Today, Wellspring offers more
than 30 programs that provide the necessary
assistance to help people overcome obstacles and
to improve their lives. Most Wellspring clients
struggle with more than one serious life-challenge,
so our multi-service center’s ability to address
interconnected needs simultaneously is crucial
to enabling clients to become independent and
self-sufficient members of the community.
and is scared of the financial and emotional
Tina’s neighbor called Joan Cellini, Wellspring’s
problems facing her family. Wellspring
Executive Director. Although Joan had been
connected with Calvin’s caring landlord to
heading out the door, she managed to obtain
eliminate rental debt and to maintain a secure,
a turkey at a local church, pick-up staples and
heated apartment for this troubled family.
an apple pie and deliver it all to the family. The
In recent years, the demand for Wellspring’s
services has grown. A hand up really means that
Wellspring shows an unwavering dedication to
help any family, or any individual, who is equally
dedicated to taking personal responsibility
to remove barriers that block their path to
independence.
F
struggling family was so grateful for the food,
Geography of Service
Wellspring finds itself poised at an important
juncture in its 28-year history. Intensified
community needs, growth in existing programs,
and vital new initiatives are all limited by
Wellspring’s outgrown spaces.
Wellspring serves nineteen South Shore towns:
Hull, Hingham, Cohasset, Scituate, Weymouth, Braintree,
Quincy, Randolph, Rockland, Norwell, Marshfield, Duxbury,
Milton, Holbrook, Abington, Hanover, Whitman, Hanson
and Pembroke.
The organization enjoys a unique place in the
community for its service and support. Its founders
saw a need and created ways to help through the
Thrift Shop and Food Pantry. They also created ways
to engage individuals, families and the community
in developing support systems and independence
by providing a hand up, not a handout.
Full Program
Selected Program
Partial Program
that they became diligent Wellspring volunteers,
Joni
doing everything from cleaning to fundraising.
Wellspring programs
expand in response to
growing needs within
the community.
Tina had never finished high school and
A single mother, Joni recently needed to leave
mustered the courage to work with a volunteer
her abusive husband. She came to Wellspring’s
tutor to prepare for the GED exam. She received
Thrift Shop, looking for warm blankets, because
high scores and was the first student to earn
her heat had been shut off. She was unaware of
a GED through Wellspring’s program. Her
other services and opportunities available to her
daughter was so impressed she improved her
at Wellspring. Through the Case Management
grades and went on to win a full scholarship
System, solutions were identified and immediate
to Emerson College. Because Tina was such a
action was taken to restore the heat in her
great inspiration to others, every year The Tina
apartment. Joni is now a client working with a
Merola Scholarship is given to one deserving
Wellspring counselor and taking steps towards
Wellspring student.
self-sufficiency.
We see countless success stories that start and end with people who are
trying to make a better life for themselves and their families—people
who need an immediate hand up and then guidance, counseling and
training as they work toward lifelong independence.
2 inspire success | the campaign for Wellspring
Wellspring Today
Wellspring Client Usage
1987
Wellspring has crafted an approach to serving people
who are struggling. Wellspring enables people to
build a base for a life that they may not otherwise
achieve. Work to achieve this goal focuses on
Wellspring providing education, counseling, and
community enterprises. In order to address all
these needs Wellspring identifies problems and
formulates solutions.
250
clients
= 50 clients
1997
400
clients
2007
1475
clients
2012
1740
clients
2017
2200
clients
inspire success | the campaign for Wellspring 3
One Student’s Story
Education: legacy of the future
Anna
“You’ve given me a good start to a new life.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
bt & family
As a high school student, Anna
E
ducation is Wellspring’s legacy of the future.
Education touches parents, children, spouses,
friends, employers, co-workers, businesses,
agencies, neighbors and community groups.
Education provides a pathway of opportunity
that yields countless dividends over time.
Adult and Computer Learning Programs
Due to its unique combination of courses,
Wellspring’s Adult Learning Program has become a
model for excellence. A Secondary School Diploma
Program, a GED and Pre-GED Certification Program,
and an Adult Basic Literacy Program are offered for
adults of all ages. Over the past 15 years, Wellspring
has awarded more than 250 of these credentials to
individuals looking for a fresh start or a chance to
turn their life around. In addition, students from
twelve surrounding towns have participated in the
Reason to Believe Education Program designed for
vulnerable young adults, ages 16-22.
experienced frustration from a number
credentials awarded
of factors and decided to stop attending
school. After a time of reflection, she
determined that she needed her high
Wellspring also provides a range of computer classes
for South Shore residents who have limited access
to computers or computer training. A computer lab
enables Wellspring to offer beginner to advanced
training. Classes run year-round and financial
assistance is available. The Wellspring van transports
students to and from school on a daily basis.
school diploma to have a chance in life.
GED
1998
to
2002
2003
to
2007
2008
to
2012
ADP
20 20
46 18
121 26
1985
1987
1989
1992
1993
1999
The Reverend Diane Edson
opens Wellspring in
one storefront in Hull.
Wellspring moves to
two storefronts at
814 Nantasket Avenue.
Food Pantry opens.
The Adult Learning
Program begins.
The Food Pantry
expands.
Counseling Program
adds three services,
including domestic
violence intervention.
Computer lab is
installed. Third and
fourth storefronts
are added.
4 inspire success | the campaign for Wellspring
With support from Wellspring staff,
she not only got her degree, but also
realized that she wanted to work as a
dental assistant. Thanks to connections
with a local dentist, Anna completed
an internship and eventually received
a paid position, allowing her the
experience and income she needed while
working towards her dental technician
certification at a local college.
Wellspring does not give handouts.
Rather, Wellspring gives people
the tools, the hand up, the hope
and the guided opportunity to
move forward.
inspire success | the campaign for Wellspring 5
counseling: pathway to success
W
ellspring’s counseling programs:
general counseling, legal services, career
counseling and services for elders have
expanded to meet the increased needs of South Shore
residents. Today, clients are coming from a greater
geographic area, reflecting not only the growing
demand, but also Wellspring’s excellent reputation.
This past year, counselors provided more than
350 hours of counseling and 800 sessions of legal
service to individuals and families in crisis. Nearly
40 clients received domestic violence counseling.
The career counselor aided 70 clients with all aspects
of the job search, and the SHINE counselor assisted
210 senior citizens with health, housing and safety
issues. Professional staff members also guided clients
through fuel assistance and food stamp applications,
as well as Medicare and Medicaid procedures.
counseling services:
At Wellspring every client is treated as an individual
who faces a unique set of circumstances. The
case management approach to client care tracks
connections, services, and the progress of each client.
Like everything at Wellspring, case management is
designed to develop a strategy tailored to individual
needs. It engages the client in the process, fostering
greater independence and self-sufficiency.
n
G
eneral Counseling
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L
egal Counseling
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Elder Services
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D
omestic Violence
Counseling
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Job Counseling
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Support Groups for
depression, bereavement,
and anger management
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
Wellspring adds
Community Outreach
Counselor.
Wellspring purchases
entire building at 814
Nantasket Avenue.
Book Store opens.
Wellspring creates the
Diane Edson Fund,
providing immediate
aid to clients in crisis.
Wellspring creates
the Ticket to Ride
Transportation Program.
Case Management
system instituted.
The Food Pantry
moves into fifth
storefront. A multi-family home
in Hull is purchased,
providing low-income
housing.
6 inspire success | the campaign for Wellspring
“I can’t believe that I am getting all this support! I felt so alone.”
Angela
inspire success | the campaign for Wellspring 7
community enterprises: foundation for progress
Mark D.
The Wellspring van
offers rides to the Adult
Learning Program,
the food pantry, jobs,
health care services,
and to the Department
of Transitional
Assistance offices.
The Edson Fund
The Edson Fund, named
for The Reverend Diane
Edson, founder of
Wellspring, was created
for one reason—to
provide immediate
assistance to people in
distress. The Edson Fund
enables Wellspring to
assist countless families
facing urgent hardships
and lacking the means
to overcome them. One
hundred percent of every
donation to the Edson
Fund directly assists
clients who qualify.
When critical situations
arise, the Edson Fund
“I used to own my own business until I became ill.
I never thought I would need a food pantry.”
Ticket to Ride
Transportation
Program
Food Pantry and
Holiday Giving
Program
provides immediate aid.
Edson funding helps
clients manage their
emergency, get back on
track, and work towards
independence.
The Food Pantry
provides emergency food
and basic supplies to
Hull residents in need.
More than 700 families
and 3,500 individuals
received a total of over
118,000 meals in 2012.
The holiday giving
program provides
traditional holiday
meals in November
and December as well
as gifts to families with
young children. More
than 250 holiday meals
are distributed between
Thanksgiving and
Christmas, and over 300
children receive gifts.
Hand in Hand Home
A neighborhood
residence with three
apartments provides
affordable housing
in Hull. All tenants
participate in
Wellspring programs.
2007
2008
2010
2011
2012
2013
Reason to Believe
Education Program
offers transportation,
babysitting and paid
internships.
Food Pantry starts
summer lunch program
for qualified Hull
school children.
Wellspring celebrates
Silver Anniversary—
25 years of service to
the community.
Wellspring Board of
Directors completes
three years of strategic
planning.
Wellspring purchases
adjacent building at
810 Nantasket Avenue.
Wellspring launches
Inspire Success: The
Campaign for Wellspring.
8 inspire success | the campaign for Wellspring
Thrift Shop and
Bookstore
The Thrift Shop provides
clothing and household
items to our clients and
others in the community.
Clients needing special
clothes for job interviews,
school, or other occasions
can take advantage of
clothing offered in the
shop. The Bookstore
offers new and slightly
used books for all age
groups. Last year, over
120 dedicated volunteers
assisted in all facets of
operations, providing
over 235 volunteer
hours per week. Equally
important, both stores
serve as a gentle entry
point for people needing
or wanting to learn more
about our services.
inspire success | the campaign for Wellspring 9
meeting the needs of Our Community
The Challenge for Our Community
Wellspring is a vital community resource, and its
programs are widely recognized for their innovation
and excellence. The need for Wellspring’s services
continues to grow. In the past five years, Wellspring’s
services have more than doubled; however, over this
time, the size of Wellspring’s physical space has not
increased.
Wellspring must now expand its facilities in order to
continue to fulfill its mission. Although Wellspring
has grown from one storefront to five, it is presently
so cramped for space that it cannot fully serve
the pressing demands of our community. With
more appropriate spaces in an expanded facility,
counselors, who currently share office space, will
be able to help a greater number of people in a more
timely and confidential manner. The Thrift and
Book Stores, with expanded room for larger items
including furniture, will increase the availability of
affordable goods and thereby increase Wellspring’s
earned income. With more classroom space, the Adult
Learning Program will accommodate more students
and provide expanded services, such as childcare and
guidance counseling, allowing more young adults to
complete their education.
Our Strategic Response to This Challenge
In 2012, after an in-depth strategic planning process,
the Board of Directors voted to launch a capital
10 inspire success | the campaign for Wellspring
campaign to expand our facilities and address the
requirements of increased programming. The decision
was also made to purchase property adjacent to the
current facility and to build an addition to the Center
at 814 Nantasket Avenue in Hull. Since that decision
was made, 100% of the Board of Directors have
made a financial commitment to support Inspire
Success: The Campaign for Wellspring to increase and
enhance the programs at Wellspring. Donations and
pledges from the Board of Directors have paid for the
purchase of the property at 810 Nantasket Avenue.
Subsequently, Wellspring retained the services of
Strekalovsky Architecture in Hingham. New space
will be created and existing space will be renovated
to improve the services and support provided by
Wellspring.
campaign goals
Inspire Success
The Campaign for Wellspring
Purchase
$ 1 79,900
Construction and Renovation
$ 750,000
Fixtures and Equipment
$ 240,100
Contingencies
$ 130,000
Capital Campaign Total
$1,300,000
Expansion and Renovation
Plans call for a new building, Wellspring’s Community
Learning Center, to replace the existing residence at
810 Nantasket Avenue. This will provide over 2,000
square feet of space designed for adult education and
job counseling.
Architect’s Concept Rendering, 2013
In order to improve our counseling space in the
facility, we will renovate the current space to meet
current standards, while reconfiguring areas now used
by the Thrift Shop, Book Store, and Food Pantry. The
Thrift Shop will also be expanded.
inspire success | the campaign for Wellspring 11
The rewards of Helping Neighbors in Need
E
very philanthropist defines his or her own
“exchange of values,” when considering a
major investment in the vital humanitarian
work of a community organization like Wellspring.
Whether you desire naming rights or prefer to donate
quietly, please give serious consideration to the
exceptional return on investment that Wellspring
offers you and the wider community. You will
experience the unique, personal satisfaction of
knowing that you have given deserving neighbors
a hand up to a new and better life of independence
and a self-sufficient livelihood. You will also enjoy
the great sense of accomplishment that you have
helped an important community organization.
naming opportunities
Inspire Success: The Campaign for Wellspring
Legacy Builders: Learning Center
$450,000
Name the Learning Center
$250,000
Name the Main Classroom
$ 75,000
Name the Technology Center
$ 75,000
Name the Guidance and Tutoring Room
$ 50,000
Pathway Finders: Counseling Places
$350,000
Name the Counseling Center
$ 150,000
Name the Case Management Room
$ 50,000
“While we have grown more professional in our
services, we remember that it is respect and love for
the humanity of all that has inspired Wellspring’s
work from the very beginning. It is the generosity
and compassion of South Shore residents that
will continue to make the Wellspring flow as we
undertake new challenges and opportunities ahead.”
Kathy Reardon
Member of Board of Directors, 2004–present
President of Board, 2005–2007
Name a Counseling Space:
Career Counseling Work Room
$ 25,000
Career Counselor Office
$ 25,000
Shine Counselor Office
$ 25,000
Community Meeting Room
$ 25,000
Wellspring will be the trusted
Volunteer Center
$ 25,000
Support Group Meeting Room
$ 25,000
innovator in providing programs
and resources that empower
Foundation Builders: Community Access Spaces
$275,000
people to lead safe, productive
Name the Food Pantry
$100,000
and independent lives.
Name the Thrift Shop
$ 75,000
Name the Reception and Waiting Area
$ 50,000
Outdoor Spaces:
12 inspire success | the campaign for Wellspring
Our Vision
Name the Food Pantry Garden
$ 25,000
Name the Landscaped Sitting Area
$ 25,000
Wellspring Multi-Service Center
814 Nantasket Avenue Hull, Massachusetts 02045
781-925-3211 www.wellspringhull.org