Wellspring $2M fundraising drive targets need for expanded services

Wellspring Multi-Service Centers, of Hull and Weymouth, this week announced the public launch of a $2 million campaign to provide an increase in services to South Shore residents facing challenges with financial, physical, or emotional issues.

 “The Drive for Wellspring,” as the fundraiser is to be known, is intended to support South Shore residents coming to Wellspring for assistance with education, counseling, food insecurity, legal advice, elder counseling, and job training. 

Well before the pandemic, Wellspring saw an increase in numbers. In 2016, the social services agency served 2,600 clients; in 2019, the number rose to 5,400; in 2020 there were 10,100 client visits. The numbers have continued to increase in 2021, as people seek out Wellspring for in-person continuing education, Hi-Set (GED) testing, job skills training, and general counseling. The volume of people needing integrative services is not expected to abate.

Paul Sullivan, vice president of Sullivan Tire and chairman of the Leadership Circle for “The Drive for Wellspring,” said, “Wellspring is a beacon of light for those less fortunate – a place doing yeoman’s work to provide families and individuals with hope during times of need, in a caring, supportive environment.” In concert with the launch of the fundraising campaign, Sullivan Tire is running public service announcements featuring Bruins player Charlie Coyle on TV and at Bruins games.

“Meeting the needs of our South Shore neighbors is an ever-increasing challenge, one which we wholeheartedly embrace,” said Vinny Harte, Wellspring’s president and CEO. 

“Wellspring opened a new location in Weymouth in the fall of 2020 to serve a broader geographic area,” Harte noted. “Now, we are introducing our own food truck to bring nutritional meals directly to those who need them most: the infirm, the elderly, vulnerable children, and homeless people in our area.”

Members of the Leadership Circle endorsing the campaign include, in addition to Sullivan, Kathi and Bryce Blair, Emily Curtis Pott, Rose DiPietro, The Rev. Robert Edson, the Emilson Family, Anthony Everett, Lindy and Bill Fitzgerald, Jane Geodecke, Robert and Sue Hess, Mike Jenkins, Dennis Keohane, Nancy and Chris Oddleifson, Pam O’Leary, Chris and Tony Pucillo, Andy Raczka, Kathy and Bill Reardon, Paul Taylor, Marci and George Toma, and Paul Wahlberg.