The Home Page Network

Through reporting for Home Page Network, I have the opportunity to discover programs I did not know existed, and the amazing people who run them in our community. Because a friend asked me to talk to the folks at Wellspring Community Support Services, I made contact with Gwen DeYoung, Director, and Hazel Smith-Guild, Program Director. We met and spent two hours talking about the programs offered through Wellspring. We could have talked much longer.

So what exactly is Wellspring? It is a collection of programs, funded through Tioga County Human Services, that work with adults in our community who suffer with mental illnesses. Gwen had a phrase that helped me understand who they help. Not the “worried well” she said, those of us who may be worrying but still able to function in our daily endeavors, but rather, they aim to help those whose mental illness interrupts life skills. Currently, with a staff of approximately 20, Wellspring programs are helping 80+ individuals.

Programs include Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services that can help individuals in any area of their lives including developing a toolbox of coping skills, making informed decisions, even making enduring friendships. There are Certified Peer Specialist Services where peers who also have experienced mental illness help others. There is Above and Beyond Drop-In Center which is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 until 4:00. Individuals interact with others for support, recreational activities, and education. There is a hot meal served at the Drop-In Center every day it is open. Wellspring offers so much to assist people gain the skills they need to live their life to the fullest.

How can the community help? Volunteers are always welcome to help prepare the daily meal for the Drop-In Center. Following Covid, the need for enhanced technology became apparent. A volunteer who is “tech savy” could help improve the technical side of operations. Donations of gift certificates to local stores such as Dollar General and Wal-Mart are always helpful for individuals to be able to purchase personal items and toiletries.

If you are interested in learning more about Wellspring Community Support Services, please give Gwen DeYoung a call. She is a brilliant resource of information about the programs and can share how you can help serve a part of our community that often goes unnoticed.