Letter from the CEO - Winter 2019
Constant motion is a term that I would ascribe to the work at The WellHouse. Our intense, ongoing dedication to the rescue and restoration of survivors of human trafficking leaves little room to realize that time is quickly passing. Until…..the day, like today, that we are forced to realize that another year is about to come to an end, and it becomes important to reflect on the time that has passed and prepare for the upcoming year.
As I reflect on the past year, 2019 has been incredible on so many levels. The WellHouse has been privileged to touch many lives affected by human trafficking – no less than 105, most likely many more.
With the help of our dedicated supporters, we opened the Next Steps to Independence transitional living apartments, where mothers and their children are able to live together in peace and graduates of The WellHouse can continue their growth and healing as they prepare for true independence.
We have experienced the evolution of the Trauma Center, where newly rescued survivors are welcomed and experience safety, stabilization and intensive trauma therapy. New staff, with admirable skills and dedication, have come on-board and joined those who have long been committed to this cause bringing this work to a much more effective standard.
We were stunned at the incredible support we received when we announced the launch of WellHouse Child. This program within The WellHouse is being developed and implemented in phases as we carefully move toward serving children whose victimization is beyond comprehension.
We continue to move toward defining “The WellHouse Way”. We endeavor to stay true to our mission of serving those who have been exploited through human sex trafficking while also doing our best to never turn anyone away without assisting with a referral, often facilitating this referral with transportation.
As I dive further into this reflection of how a Christian faith-based ministry should operate in these times, I have purposely sought wisdom from others and have found the book, The Daniel Dilema, by Chris Hodges to be one of the most helpful resources. Perhaps the most impactful statement in this book, relative to the work of The WellHouse, was the one that admonishes us to keep our standards high and our grace deep. This is a reflection of what we try to do here at The WellHouse.
We endeavor to serve as many as God sends our way with high standards and a fresh measure of grace. We avoid discrimination with intentionality in who we serve, and most of all, we endeavor to love people and love God. Because of these two combinations we have experienced God’s favor, and we have seen the impact on those who have never been loved when they realize they are, for the first time in their lives, loved abundantly.
With all of this in mind, we are equipped, by God’s grace, to enter the 10th year of The WellHouse’s founding with much in store for this amazing ministry. We look forward to continuing with the wonderful partnerships, for we know that all of us are better than one of us.
Please consider supporting these great efforts to bring healing and restoration to those among us who have experienced the most horrific of abuses but who now have hope! One upcoming opportunity is Giving Tuesday! Giving Tuesday is a national day of giving back that takes place Tuesday, December 3. You may go online to donate. Thank you all for your ongoing love and support.