I don’t know how I ended up there. How things got as bad as they did. I never came from that kind of lifestyle. I may have come from a broken home, but no one in my family ever went as far and as dark as I did. I’ve been to jail more times than I can count, I’ve overdosed on drugs. I didn’t know how to handle any of the things I was feeling, and I did the only thing I knew to do. I numbed myself, until I lost myself.
Read MoreI am continually amazed that I get to bear witness to their incredible transformations, watch them get to a place where they can stand up before a crowd of witnesses in our chapel, completely transformed and able to testify to God's goodness in their lives. Hearing them share how the Lord has come into their lives and saved them, changed them, and has given them hope, peace, and joy like they have never experienced before in their lives.
Read MoreHi everyone! My name is Brianna Pierce, and I am the new Volunteer Coordinator at The WellHouse. I am so honored to get to play a small part in what God is doing on our campus. I came on staff in September of this year, and I can already tell just how wonderful our volunteers are! Over the past few months, we have had almost 20 people join our Volunteer Team.
Read MoreThe WellHouse is experiencing vast growth in every area, and I am so happy to say that rescue is included in this growth. With the addition of a new Intake Coordinator, Amanda, who will be helping with intake calls, arranging transportation, while fostering and maintaining relationships, we are able to be more committed to rescuing and recovering victims than ever before. However, as most things, with an increase in numbers comes other difficulties.
Read MoreThe WellHouse has broken ground on a new facility to expand opportunities for the women they serve. With all the growth that The WellHouse has experienced, they have decided to construct a barn building that will best fit their current needs and support their residents most effectively. The 3,600 square foot Barn will be built on The WellHouse’s 63-acre safe-house campus outside of Birmingham, Alabama.
Read MoreNot only is The WellHouse connected to those who can provide adequate training, we are willing to be the link, provide training, and mentor. Our desire is that we make and receive referrals with those in whom we can have confidence that we are likeminded, as we serve a population of people who have put their trust in us to stand in the gap for them as they bravely walk the journey of healing.
Read MoreOne of my favorite things about working at The WellHouse, and in my role specifically, is the honor and privilege of witnessing a community of supporters give freely and cheerfully to the survivors who live on our campus. It has been said that Birmingham is one of the most philanthropic cities in the country, and I never imagined what a blessing it would be to sit at this vantage point and see the huge hearts of the people who make that true.
Read MoreNothing happens at The WellHouse without wonderful volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to give our residents love, care, and support. We are so grateful to the wonderful women who lead trauma-informed yoga, art therapy, bible studies, sewing/knitting classes, and bible journaling weekly. Our programming is made more holistic, creative, and effective because of you.
Read MoreI grew up in a small town in Alabama, about 25 miles north of Birmingham. My brother and I had loving parents and we never went without. We were raised in church where our Dad served as a Deacon, and we were always surrounded by Godly friends. When I became a preteen, I remember having all of these emotions that I couldn’t seem to express without consequences. I became very rebellious against my parents, unable to focus at school, and was losing control of my life.
Read MoreSince our last rescue update, we have received eight women into our program with seven of them continuing to heal with us! The most common way that The WellHouse receives a survivor of human trafficking is through our amazing partnerships with other organizations, but anyone can make a referral by calling our intake phone number or sending the rescue department an email.
Read MoreThe Sound of Freedom movie has generated a variety of opinions. Regardless of where feelings and opinions land, it is clear that the release of the movie has made an impact by making the public aware of child sex trafficking. At The WellHouse, we have long been aware of this deplorable activity that steals the souls and spirits of its victims. Being in the work of offering restorative services to victims, we know that while rescue is essential, and we wish we saw more of it, the question remains - what about the needs of those rescued after they are removed from these unimaginable atrocities?
Read MoreThere are countless articles and research on the topic of Trauma Informed Care. How it is defined often depends on whose perspective is being given. A residential living setting such as The WellHouse provides a unique perspective since we are literally living and interacting daily (24 hours per day actually) with those who have experienced severe complex trauma, often since childhood.
Read MoreTwenty-five women and eight children are currently being served on The WellHouse campus, and we know it takes a village to treat their trauma in a holistic way. Our volunteers step into gaps daily and we couldn’t be more grateful for their support. Two new volunteer-led classes have begun on campus! Our new Bible journaling class has been a wonderful way for residents to experience the living and active Word of God using their creativity.
Read MoreIn the Fall of 2018, I met a sweet, funny, and attractive guy who I could relate to in so many ways. Occasionally we would go out and get drinks at a bar, and I always had fun and enjoyed my time with him. Then came the black out periods. I would wake up frightened after going out with him because I couldn’t remember anything I did from the night before.
Read MoreAlthough my favorite thing about working at The WellHouse is the women that I get to interact with, a close second is our beautiful campus where the restoration work takes place. As you drive through the WellHouse gates, you can immediately feel an overwhelming sense of peace that can only come from God.
Read MoreSince the last rescue report, we have had 8 women receive services at The WellHouse and 4 of those women are still with us! Currently, I am seeing a trend with survivors coming to us with severe mental health disorders. Mental health disorders such as schizophrenia, dissociative disorders, personality disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and complex post-traumatic stress disorder are common in the women we serve.
Read MoreAnd now, as all the efforts have given way to true service for the most vulnerable among us who have endured unspeakable horrors, we see the need to expand the Team. The average age of WellHouse Child youth is 13-14, meaning their abuse likely began much earlier, and the incidents of familial trafficking (family members trafficking the child) bears out the 50% rate of occurrence found by recent studies.
Read MoreJoin us as we sit down to interview our Chief Program Officer, Marlie Hyde, about all things WellHouse Child. Marlie discusses the background and original vision for the program, a typical day in the life for one of our minor residents, staffing model, and the six phases of the program.
Read MoreIn March, we hired a new volunteer coordinator, Emily Jones! She lives in Odenville with her husband and three precious children. Emily has a background in the nursing field and has joined our team with enthusiasm, compassion, and skill. We are so excited to welcome her into The WellHouse family. We have had some wonderful volunteers throughout the first quarter of the year…
Read MoreBetween the month of January and the time this report was written, we have received approximately 50 inquiries between the crisis phone and email regarding our services. Of those 50, three women have joined our program at The WellHouse, and I am currently working with approximately five more women to see if our program is a good fit for their needs.
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