LEAH SANDERSON
What is your job title and what year did you come on staff at The WellHouse?
I serve as the Development Director and I came on staff in 2022.
What is your favorite part about your job?
Definitely getting to meet all of the incredible people, churches, and foundations who partner with us financially, prayerfully, and consistently to make sure that The WellHouse has all we need to be successful in offering restoration. Watching how many come together to make healing a reality is a humbling notion. This is all God’s idea, and He will bring it to completion. I also absolutely love getting to know the women on campus day in and day out.
Tell us about your educational and professional experience that equips you to be successful in this field.
I was previously the Director of a nonprofit which works to rescue victims from trafficking and bring them to The WellHouse! My time there really opened my eyes to the vitality of programs like ours that holistically heal and restore women and children.
Please share your favorite memory from your time working at The WellHouse.
My favorite memory so far comes from when I volunteered by leading worship in the chapel. I remember the tangible feeling of the Holy Spirit in the room as women on their faces proclaimed how worthy Jesus is and began to believe how much he adores them. It was that night that I knew I was called to this ministry.
Tell us about your journey coming into the anti-trafficking field and with The WellHouse.
I learned about human trafficking, specifically in Alabama, in 2020. I was immediately broken by what was going on right around me and honestly, haven’t stopped talking about it, fighting against it, or caring for victims, and survivors alike, since. I began with The WellHouse by volunteering. I led worship, taught painting classes, and even gardened a bit! Each time I left with an ache in my heart. I knew I wanted to spend more time here and that God’s hand is on this place.
How has working at The WellHouse impacted your life?
The WellHouse has always been a place that I get to connect with the women I love so dearly. So in that regard, it impacts me daily as I learn so much from the survivors and co-workers around me about what it looks like to be a compassionate, healthy, and loving individual. The women here have shown me what wholehearted devotion to Jesus looks like and they never go a moment without making sure you know this is all God. Every day I am able to listen, encourage, and cheer on a survivor is a day my heart is filled to the brim with joy. I’m so thankful.