Difference Makers: Summer 2020

Welcome back, volunteers!

By Jessica Prescott, Volunteer Supervisor

As you know, the past three months have been very different in our nation and world. While we all paused to heal, The WellHouse has experienced tremendous growth among the staff, residents, and volunteers!

As for staff growth, we would like to introduce a new team member! Kourtney Ellis joins us as our new Development Administrative Assistant. She will be the new face of our front office, and our donor relationship management assistant. Kourtney has a very diverse background working in the anti-trafficking industry. When you meet her, ask her to share about her time working with survivors in the Philippines!

During Stay at Home orders, we introduced Virtual Volunteering as a way to keep you all involved, and to maintain a level of normality in our residents’ lives. We weren’t sure how this would work, as it was very new for all of us, but you stepped up without missing a beat! As a result, we are going to continue Virtual Volunteering for our friends out of state or those not ready or unable to visit us in person!

Over the last three months, the residents at The WellHouse received countless indoor and outdoor games, meals, gift cards, and letters of encouragement. You guys also provided the ever elusive toilet paper, paper towels, and hand sanitizer so that we never ran out! THAT is an accomplishment in and of itself!! So thank you! Your demonstration of love and light in a time of darkness was noticed, and we appreciate each and every one of you!

Since Stay at Home orders have been lifted, we are excited to be able to finally welcome you, our faithful volunteers, back to our campus for in-person volunteering! We officially opened back up on June 15th, with a few minor changes to our normal routines. If you haven’t been able to join us yet, we ask that you abide by the following guidelines to keep a healthy facility and volunteer team:

●      Check in with staff at the Administration building.
During this check-in:

○      Do not bring anything into the facility with you.

○      Use the hand sanitizer provided.

○      Answer the questions posted at the sign-in desk regarding health history (also listed below for you to reference).

●      Maintain a 6-foot distance from residents and staff at all times.

●      Use hand sanitizer and wash hands frequently.

●      Bring a mask to wear when inside the facilities.

●      Volunteers are not permitted to share transportation with a resident, as a 6-foot distance cannot be maintained in this instance.

●      If food is provided, it must come from a restaurant, and be served to the residents by WellHouse staff. Individual boxed food items are preferred over buffet-style meals.

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Health History Questionnaire

You will be required to answer these questions upon arrival, and staff may ask them before your arrival as well.

●      Are you experiencing any of these symptoms?

○      Fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, shortness of breath, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, or new loss of taste or smell

○      If yes, you must wait 14 days, fever free, before coming to The WellHouse

●      Have you recently traveled by airplane or cruise ship?

○      If yes, you must wait 14 days, fever free, before coming to The WellHouse

●      Have you been in contact with someone known to have COVID-19?

○      If yes, you must wait 14 days, fever free, before coming to The WellHouse

●      Do you work in a COVID-19 designated area of a hospital?

○      If yes, you must wait 14 days, fever free, before coming to The WellHouse

●      Have you been diagnosed with a positive COVID-19 test?

○      If yes, you will be required to show proof of a follow up test with a negative result

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We sincerely appreciate your cooperation with these rules. As you might imagine, these guidelines are fluid, and we may make changes to them at any time. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to Jessica Prescott at (205) 306-6258.

Many have asked what our on campus needs are. And the answer is simple! We need you! We need you to help finish up our project with Elizabeth’s Closet; to house-sit and give the Home Coordinators a much needed break; to provide fellowship time, and much more. If in doubt, just ask! Your gifts and talents are needed and very much welcomed here!

We can't wait to see you and welcome you back...from a distance!