I often get asked what our success rate is like at The WellHouse. This is such a difficult question to answer! Who or what defines success? In the realm of residential living offering an array of pertinent services, does success come when boxes are checked indicating a year of programming completed, or is it as simple as a survivor remaining even one night on our campus escaping multiple sexual assaults that she would have typically experienced out in the world?
Read MoreThis May, I will celebrate four years of working with The WellHouse. Something the Lord has been showing me recently is the act of remembering. The Hebrew word used when the people of God were told to remember in the Old Testament is zakhar. This word conveys more than looking back; it is recalling and remembering that propels and encourages us to move forward in faith. Therefore, I want to recall some of God's moves on the WellHouse campus.
Read MoreOver the course of the past few months, we have had intakes for 9 women. They are from Utah, Tennessee, Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida. We have seen their stories range from childhood sexual abuse, addiction, and grooming. One of the most common ways the women were trafficked started with a history of abuse and a lack of real love leading them to be vulnerable to traffickers' offers of love.
Read More2024 has been off to a great start, and much of that is credited to our wonderful volunteers! Over the past few months, 20 people have joined our Volunteer Team, and several of those individuals have jumped right in! New or old, we are so grateful for the many hands and feet of Jesus that support this mission through serving.
Read MoreBefore coming to The WellHouse I knew about God, but I didn’t have a relationship with Him, and that’s the biggest treasure I’ve gained while being here. I dove into the Word and the program, and through them God taught me that I am a daughter of the most high King and to wear my crown. He paid the price, I’m forgiven, and the shame and guilt are cast as far as East is from the West. I’m worth it. My past doesn’t define my future. I have a purpose for my life, and it is God-ordained.
Read MoreIt was an incredible 2023! As we were focused on The WellHouse mission that includes honoring God as we assist in the recovery of sex trafficking victims and offer meaningful restoration services, we were continually humbled at God’s amazing protection and provision. There is simply no other explanation! This year, more than ever, we have come to realize that all of us are better than one of us.
Read MoreI don’t know how I ended up there. How things got as bad as they did. I never came from that kind of lifestyle. I may have come from a broken home, but no one in my family ever went as far and as dark as I did. I’ve been to jail more times than I can count, I’ve overdosed on drugs. I didn’t know how to handle any of the things I was feeling, and I did the only thing I knew to do. I numbed myself, until I lost myself.
Read MoreI am continually amazed that I get to bear witness to their incredible transformations, watch them get to a place where they can stand up before a crowd of witnesses in our chapel, completely transformed and able to testify to God's goodness in their lives. Hearing them share how the Lord has come into their lives and saved them, changed them, and has given them hope, peace, and joy like they have never experienced before in their lives.
Read MoreHi everyone! My name is Brianna Pierce, and I am the new Volunteer Coordinator at The WellHouse. I am so honored to get to play a small part in what God is doing on our campus. I came on staff in September of this year, and I can already tell just how wonderful our volunteers are! Over the past few months, we have had almost 20 people join our Volunteer Team.
Read MoreThe WellHouse is experiencing vast growth in every area, and I am so happy to say that rescue is included in this growth. With the addition of a new Intake Coordinator, Amanda, who will be helping with intake calls, arranging transportation, while fostering and maintaining relationships, we are able to be more committed to rescuing and recovering victims than ever before. However, as most things, with an increase in numbers comes other difficulties.
Read MoreThe WellHouse has broken ground on a new facility to expand opportunities for the women they serve. With all the growth that The WellHouse has experienced, they have decided to construct a barn building that will best fit their current needs and support their residents most effectively. The 3,600 square foot Barn will be built on The WellHouse’s 63-acre safe-house campus outside of Birmingham, Alabama.
Read MoreNot only is The WellHouse connected to those who can provide adequate training, we are willing to be the link, provide training, and mentor. Our desire is that we make and receive referrals with those in whom we can have confidence that we are likeminded, as we serve a population of people who have put their trust in us to stand in the gap for them as they bravely walk the journey of healing.
Read MoreOne of my favorite things about working at The WellHouse, and in my role specifically, is the honor and privilege of witnessing a community of supporters give freely and cheerfully to the survivors who live on our campus. It has been said that Birmingham is one of the most philanthropic cities in the country, and I never imagined what a blessing it would be to sit at this vantage point and see the huge hearts of the people who make that true.
Read MoreNothing happens at The WellHouse without wonderful volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to give our residents love, care, and support. We are so grateful to the wonderful women who lead trauma-informed yoga, art therapy, bible studies, sewing/knitting classes, and bible journaling weekly. Our programming is made more holistic, creative, and effective because of you.
Read MoreI grew up in a small town in Alabama, about 25 miles north of Birmingham. My brother and I had loving parents and we never went without. We were raised in church where our Dad served as a Deacon, and we were always surrounded by Godly friends. When I became a preteen, I remember having all of these emotions that I couldn’t seem to express without consequences. I became very rebellious against my parents, unable to focus at school, and was losing control of my life.
Read MoreSince our last rescue update, we have received eight women into our program with seven of them continuing to heal with us! The most common way that The WellHouse receives a survivor of human trafficking is through our amazing partnerships with other organizations, but anyone can make a referral by calling our intake phone number or sending the rescue department an email.
Read MoreThe Sound of Freedom movie has generated a variety of opinions. Regardless of where feelings and opinions land, it is clear that the release of the movie has made an impact by making the public aware of child sex trafficking. At The WellHouse, we have long been aware of this deplorable activity that steals the souls and spirits of its victims. Being in the work of offering restorative services to victims, we know that while rescue is essential, and we wish we saw more of it, the question remains - what about the needs of those rescued after they are removed from these unimaginable atrocities?
Read MoreThere are countless articles and research on the topic of Trauma Informed Care. How it is defined often depends on whose perspective is being given. A residential living setting such as The WellHouse provides a unique perspective since we are literally living and interacting daily (24 hours per day actually) with those who have experienced severe complex trauma, often since childhood.
Read MoreTwenty-five women and eight children are currently being served on The WellHouse campus, and we know it takes a village to treat their trauma in a holistic way. Our volunteers step into gaps daily and we couldn’t be more grateful for their support. Two new volunteer-led classes have begun on campus! Our new Bible journaling class has been a wonderful way for residents to experience the living and active Word of God using their creativity.
Read MoreIn the Fall of 2018, I met a sweet, funny, and attractive guy who I could relate to in so many ways. Occasionally we would go out and get drinks at a bar, and I always had fun and enjoyed my time with him. Then came the black out periods. I would wake up frightened after going out with him because I couldn’t remember anything I did from the night before.
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