Our History
Wellspring Community was founded in early 2008 by a group of parents of young adults with special needs who recognized the desperate need for employment opportunities and residential and recreational services for their children as they age out of the school system.In the summer of 2008, Wellspring launched a six week pilot program at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in Parker, Colorado where eight participants worked in our Wellspring Candle Shop wicking, labeling and packaging votives each morning. Afternoons were spent enjoying a variety of enrichment classes including line dancing, social skills, self-defense, pottery, fitness and art. More than 35 businesses, organizations and volunteers contributed to the wonderful success of this program. Our candles sold at a local outdoor market as well as a local gift shop.
In the fall of 2008 our participants created, produced and distributed Wellspring Wonders Christmas Ornaments which sold at two local gift shops.
In the spring of 2009, New Hope Presbyterian Church in Castle Rock opened its doors to enable us to continue our work and enrichment program on a part-time basis. We also obtained the use of Sweet Nothing's commercial kitchen to train our participants in cookie baking for our Best Buddies Bakery.
In February 2009 we launched our Wellspring Wonders Choir! Five wonderful volunteers, including two professional music instructors, bring our participants the thrill of making music together. The Wellspring Wonders Choir has performed at two local churches and plans are underway for future performances.
Our 2009 Summer Program took place at Covenant Church in Castle Rock where twelve participants were trained in our Best Buddies Bakery and our Wellspring Wonders Workshop. More than 35 volunteers were involved in teaching Acting, American Sign Language, Step Dance, Art, Water Aerobics, Nutrition, Housekeeping and Choir.
It has been an incredible experience to see the collaborative efforts of churches, local businesses, civic organizations and caring individuals as they have come together to enrich and empower the lives of adults with special needs. The mission of Wellspring is life-giving, not only for our participants, but for everyone involved in this great venture.