As the holiday season begins, we find ourselves decorating trees, lighting fires, and gathering with the people we love. It is a season that invites us to slow down and reflect on gratitude, blessings, and the ways we are called to care for one another.
This season, I’ve had the privilege of joining Wellspring Living as a Developmental Intern. In this role, I’ve been able to listen closely to the experiences of those we serve and work alongside staff whose commitment to the mission is deeply inspiring. Their care goes beyond daily responsibilities; it is rooted in ensuring that every resident feels supported, safe, and seen.
Recently, I had the opportunity to visit one of our residential homes to help decorate for Christmas. As we unboxed ornaments and holiday decorations, I found myself reflecting on how much meaning can live in small moments. The ability to buy a real tree. The comfort and blessings of knowing I’ll be surrounded by family
this holiday season. These quiet reflections were a reminder that while seasonal giving matters, love and consistency matter even more. Kindness is not meant to be temporary – it is meant to be lived out every day.
Walking through the Receiving Hope Center (RHC) felt unexpectedly familiar. The hallways reminded me of my own middle school years, and the participants I met are, in many ways, just like any other middle or high school students. Though our life experiences may be different, their innocence, hope, and desire for normalcy are the same.
The walls are lined with colorful artwork and motivational posters, bringing the same comfort as when I walked the halls of the children’s ministry I grew up in. Furthermore, the bedrooms, lit up by natural light breaking through the windows, are familiar to those of a college on-campus suite. Small plants, cared for by volunteers, further the aesthetic of the shared spaces. But what makes this place truly special is not the building itself. It is the people within it.
Watching staff interact with participants makes one thing clear: family is not defined by blood alone. It is built through honesty, grace, and the simple act of showing up. At Wellspring Living, love is found in everyday moments – during conversations, routines, and shared laughter.
As we move through this holiday season, we invite you to reflect on the role you can play in helping create that sense of home and belonging. Whether through giving, volunteering, or simply sharing our mission, your support allows Wellspring Living to continue showing up for those who need it most – not just during the holidays, but all year long.
