The History of Wellspring
In 1983 the need to address family violence issues in our community was identified. Wellspring Women’s Association was formed and became incorporated as a Society.
▪ With the help of a Secretary of State grant and uncounted volunteer hours, a drop-in centre opened and an extensive resource library was completed.
▪ The needs of women living in or escaping from violent relationships soon become overwhelming.
▪ Wellspring joined the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters and the Northwest Regional Steering Committee on Family Violence, both of which are committed to improving services for battered women.
▪ On April 1, 1988, Wellspring became a registered charity.
▪ In September, 1989 the Agency was given status as a satellite shelter and resource centre.
▪ Wellspring became part of core funding available from the Province of Alberta.
▪ During the period of 1990 and 1994 an increase was negotiated to the operating budget. During these years the Board of Directors reviewed the mandate and service provision many times to ensure the Agency addresses the needs of the ever-changing community.
▪ During this process the operating name changed to Wellspring Family Resource & Crisis Centre and the mandate and vision evolved to include programs and services for all individuals experiencing family violence issues regardless of gender.
▪ The demands on the Agency soon outgrew the facility and in 1992 a Building Committee was formed and spearheaded by an extremely dedicated and dynamic volunteer.
▪ Together with the Executive Director and Board, fundraising began and grant applications were sent to Municipal Affairs (Special Housing Project), Wild Rose Foundation (lottery dollars) and Community Facility Enhancement Program II (lottery dollars).
▪ In 1993 two adjoining parcels of land were donated to Wellspring by John Dahl.
▪ In 1994 the Agency received a short and long-term commitment to the project from Beaver Lumber. The Executive Director met with CEO’s of the larger business in the area. This resulted in securing donations to the Building Fund and the “Adopt-a-Room” project.
▪ In 1995 the Building Committee was directed to seek commitments from sub-trades, contractors, community fundraising, and large corporations. A contractor was hired (Merit Home Improvements) and on May 1, 1995, the Agency moved into the new building.
▪ In 1996/1997 the office and meeting areas were completed in the basement.
▪ In 2005/2006 the Donation Centre and secure file storage was completed in the basement.
▪ In 2007 Wellspring received a one-time educational material and supplies grant from Alberta Children’s Services to better meet the needs of children in shelter.
▪ In 2008 Wellspring received a grant from CMHC Shelter Enhancement Fund to improve our surveillance and intrusion alarm system. In the following year the door security system was also upgraded utilizing fundraised dollars.
▪ January 2009 the Board of Directors approved the change to operate as a fully staffed 24-hour service and the Agency hired five permanent part-time Crisis Intervention Workers and made main floor renovations to make the meet the needs.
▪ In 2009 Wellspring hired a full-time worker for the Child Support Program and also applied for and received a Child Care Grant. This grant was to provide child care spaces for children of women accessing the Child Support program, Outreach Program or weekly Support Group. This grant also allowed the Agency to create a new play area for children.
▪ In June 2010 the Policy and Procedure Manual was updated and approved by the Board of Directors.
▪ In 2015 Wellspring Received an Operational Increase for two new full-time positions Intensive Case Management (Outreach).
▪ In April 2016 an Ad Committee was formed to start a second-hand store. In June a location was secured at Midtown Mall, renovations and plans were made to open this social enterprise and a name was picked by Wellspring staff “Twice is Nice or referred to as TIN”. Store manager and staff were hired in July and started working in September. Soft opening by invite only was hosted October 17th and the store opened on October 22nd.
▪ Twice is Nice rented the adjacent room for more space from Midtown Mall in October 2019.
▪ In March of 2022 Wellspring was successful in applying for the CMHC Shelter Enhancement Grant to go from an 11 Bed Shelter to a 22 Bed Shelter. Wellspring was awarded $808,820.00 as well as was awarded CMHC Seed Funding for $86,000.00 in a grant to assist with the costs.
▪ Wellspring moved out of there current location at the end of December 2022 and rented two different homes to accommodate staff and clients. During this process the Shelter and services remained fully operational. Hotels were used to house clients if Shelter was full. Construction started in February and staff moved back to existing Shelter in July 2023. Security was completed at the end of October and guest list open house was hosted on October 19th to celebrate. “Adopt-A-Room” was incorporated in this plan.
Revised January 2024