Prayer Service Marks Transfer of Wellspring Ministry

Some of Wellspring's founding women attended the Sept. 20 prayer services. From left are associate Doris Peterson, Associate Nancy Verber, Sister Fran Bangert and Sister Nancy Langlois.

About 50 friends and representatives from Lutheran Social Services (LSS) and the Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross gathered at the Motherhouse on Sept. 20 for a special prayer service.  The event celebrated Wellspring's transfer of sponsorship from the Sisters to LSS of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan Inc.

Wellspring, Green Bay's daytime drop-in center for women, began 13 years ago as an outreach ministry of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross. While all adult women are welcomed, the key population is women who benefit from encouragement, support and respite in times of stress. Guests may participate in personal healing/growth programs, connect with other women, learn about resources in the community or share their gifts with others.  About 2,700 new and returning guests visited Wellspring last year.

"The continued operation of Wellspring is good news for our guests and for Green Bay," says Jane Shatswell, Wellspring's program supervisor." Guests often tell me that whenever they visit Wellspring they feel hope, support and compassion.  The Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross have formed a strong foundation on which Lutheran Social Services can continue this life-giving ministry."

The change in sponsorship was born from a strategic planning process the Sisters and the Wellspring Advisory Board underwent.  The process indicated that Wellspring's long-term growth would benefit from staffing, financial and professional commitments best served through a social services agency.  After dialoguing with LSS, both parties agreed they had found a good match.

Located at 413 Dousman St., Wellspring is open from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.  The center collaborates with the Salvation Army, NEW Community Shelter, St. John's Homeless Shelter, St. Vincent de Paul and area neighborhood resource centers.