Wellspring Center

This month, I was invited to an open house at the newly opened Wellspring Pregnancy Center on Center Avenue in Moundsville, where my mother-in-law, Teresa Devlin, along with Tammy Hosenfeld, Chris Jacobs and other local volunteers have been extremely hard at work converting an aging duplex into a support center to assist those in need in virtually all aspects of child care. As I toured the Center, I found myself feeling very proud of my mother-in-law and the other volunteers, for not only recognizing such an important community need, but also for having the vision and determination to bring it to life.

The mission statement of the Wellspring Center, according to Tammy Hosenfeld, is "to restore purpose to women's lives and their children and family by helping to meet their physical, emotional and spiritual needs through the services of material assistance, educational resources, referrals and emotional support." From free pregnancy tests, to diapers, food, clothing, strollers, books, toys, car seats and practically everything else, the Clinic offers an incredible array of products and services for parents in need at practically every stage of raising a newborn or toddler. The Clinic also boasts a wealth of critical, educational materials to help parents keep their children safe and give them the best possible start. Open from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, the Wellspring Center offers products and services to all members of our local community.

As I toured the Center, I also thought about how blessed I was to have parents who provided my sister and me with each of the cornerstones the Wellspring Center is designed to help foster. Of course we took it for granted at the time, but we were so fortunate to have grown up in a stable environment with parents who had the time and interest and means to provide us with the resources we needed to, at least arguably, become well-adjusted adults with families of our own. Others aren't so fortunate, often due to circumstances beyond their control. And for folks who find themselves in such situations, the Wellspring Center can help.

I must say, I left the Center feeling equal parts impressed and humbled by what the volunteers have been able to accomplish in such a short time. Through the hard work and dedication of local carpenters and organizers, a dilapidated apartment building has been transformed into a bright, safe, positive environment where parents and expectant parents can feel comfortable amongst people who care. Congratulations to everyone who worked so hard to realize this vision of support and security. You have all done a tremendous job providing a beacon of hope for your community. For those in need of the Center's offerings, or for those who would like to donate or learn more, call 304-810-0292 or stop by and visit with the good folks at the Wellspring Center.