The Well comes to Fairfield

FAIRFIELD - Jayson Henry, executive director of The Well, announced recently The Well would be expanding to Fairfield in the fall of 2020. This will be the third Well location in Iowa after Pella and Knoxville.

The Well focuses on holistic programming to help people reach long-term stability. They do this through providing programs around addiction recovery, classes that build life skills, and other programming focused on helping people reach goals in their life. In the future, The Well would like to offer a program in Fairfield called Well Works. At Well Works local businesses provide work for clients through the Well and in turn The Well teaches its clients not only the importance of work in one's stability but how the characteristics needed to keep a job. To help in the community the Well has a program called A Call to Serve Ministries (ACTS) which connects people who could use project assistance, with willing and able volunteers who can lend a hand. These projects include things from building wheelchair ramps, to painting, to yardwork, and many more.

The Well believes it's important to have a sustainable model for the communities it serves. To do this it provides the community with an opportunity to support selling items at their Thrift Stores The store is a multi-department and donation-based retailer with 100% of the income generated supporting the ministry services of The Well, while also providing valuable volunteer opportunities for people to be involved. All money stays local and supports the local community.

The Well is a Christian ministry with a model of partnering within the community and working alongside current organizations rather than duplicating services. The Fairfield Area Ministerial Association, (FAMA) shared their enthusiasm around the efforts of the Well and that they look forward to joining efforts.

The Well's connection to Fairfield is through Cornerstone Community Well which has been serving people in the area since 2017. In the Fall of 2019 Cornerstone partnered with the Well to scope bringing the Well's services to Fairfield and replace the current Cornerstone Community Well. The community of Fairfield, (including churches, social service agencies and community leaders), have been involved with this project. The Well in Fairfield will include The Well Thrift Store and The Well Resource Center. Location of the Well is still to be determined.

This announcement was going to be made at the Two Fish and Five Loaves banquet held by the Cornerstone Community Well on March 22nd, which was postponed until a later date. Look for more information about ways you can get involved by visiting thewelliowa.org.

In a news release from The Well, it's mission statement combines 'the love of Christ, the help of our communities and the strength in every person to find hope for life. The Well is an organization of people from area churches, non-profits, businesses and foundations interested in more effectively ministering to those in need in Jefferson County. Through volunteers and partnerships with churches and social service agencies, we hope to be a place of encouragement and support that connects people to necessary resources. For more information, go to: thewelliowa.org.”