Wellspring Interfaith Social Services

Youth programs research shows that high-quality after-school programs improve students' educational outcomes, school attendance, and Social and emotional learning. Consistent participation in after-school programs results in lower dropout rates and helps to close achievement gaps for low-income students. After the school day ends, 1 in 5 kids across america are alone and unsupervised. These hours-from 2 to 6 p.m. are the peak time for juvenile crime. After- school programs turn that time of risk into opportunity, keeping kids safe and helping them realize their full potential. In our community, Wellspring's after-school program and summer day camp are inspiring learning, providing safety, promoting smart choices, and supporting working parents. Cost and access continue to be barriers to participation in after-school programs, with about 3 in 5 parents mentioning this as the reason they did not enroll their child in such a program. With your continued support, Wellspring will continue to provide after-school and summer day camp programs to our community free of charge. In 2023, 242 students participated in our programs.

Food bank: food insecure individuals across allen county depend on our help in the daily food bank. In 2023, we served 9,060 individuals providing them with 145,634 pounds of food at 17,117 visits. Most food banks in allen county prepackage food offerings. Wellspring offers families the option to choose the food they will use in their household. We continue to see a consistent and staggering increase in the number of new families seeking food assistance.

Older adult program: we help senior citizens and adults with disabilities stay connected to the community and achieve holistic wellness through our daily programming. In 2023, 142 individuals participated in this program. Participants benefited from greater socialization and interaction with others, improved physical and mental health, and increased ability to maintain independence. "after i lost my wife, i had no desire to live. My doctor recommended that i find a Social program in the area. After the first visit to Wellspring, i felt relief and hope. I enjoy the program very much."

Wellspring on wheels (wow) is our way of mobilizing the mission. We're blessed to have vehicles enabling us to take our Services to other parts of the city. Our staff distribute food tuesday and thursdays throughout the year. We served 5,706 individuals with 10,700 visits in 2023. We distributed 32,009 pounds of food through wow. Clothing shoppe: through our boutique-style clothing bank, we provide quality clothing free-of-charge to residents in need. In 2023, our clothing shoppe served 3,060 individuals and gave out 37,381 pieces of clothing. All items in the shoppe are donations from individuals, and partnering stores that provide us with their extra inventory. Clothing on our racks is in the best condition and quality, only without a price tag.