Letter from the CEO - Spring 2020
As I write this, the COVID-19 crisis has hit full force. One week, we were being trained on the basics of healthcare relating to the virus; the next week we were in full blown crisis mode! Today, we are standing together, with our community, to fight this and protect those whom we love—including our survivors.
How is a crisis of this magnitude handled in a residential setting? At The WellHouse, we have—for many years now—existed in a space and navigated through issues related to human trafficking as true pioneers. At the onset of our work, who could we turn to for knowledge or resources on survivor care? There were few who had answers, and eventually, we realized we were among the experts!
For a time, it was messy. We worked together as a staff to navigate issues as they came up, learn from each other, regularly share what we learned, and—most of all—continuously seek Biblical wisdom and guidance.
For the COVID-19 pandemic, we approach this challenge in much the same way. We will adhere to the governmental orders as they come, and we will heed the advice of medical experts in contact with us in order to keep our staff and residents safe. As a team, we will navigate through the best courses of action for our staff and residents. We will seek Biblical wisdom in every action. And then, we keep at it, doing the next best thing, and trusting that our supporters will continue to support and pray.
Amidst this urgent and daunting crisis sweeping our nation, what truly deserves to be highlighted here is the amazing dedication and commitment of a staff who lives their calling to love God and serve people through their assignment to The WellHouse. They have amazingly stepped up, again. I have seen the hurt in their eyes, and heard the pain in their voices when they have been criticized after immense sacrifice, and yet, they continue! Not one has walked away; not one has said, “not my job”!
Instead, here they are, in the midst of a genuine crisis, trusting God, loving the people assigned to their care, and smiling through it all! I dedicate this newsletter to them. Thank you: Allen, Amelia, Angie, Beverly, Chapple, Corinne, Debby, Donna, Holly, Jennifer, Jennifer (WC), Jessica, Maley, Marlie, Sarah, Susan, Sue, Tawanda, and Tracie, as well as our interns, and our beloved Dr. Hodges and Dr. Mayes! You are loved and appreciated! The survivors at The WellHouse who we all know and love could not be so well cared for and supported, without you!
Please keep us in your prayers as we seek the next best step with wisdom!