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a variety of issues including Medicaid, Medicare, and veterans' benefits. People come from all over the South Shore to get help from Wellspring's broad range of programs for the whole community, from infants to the elderly. EXTENDING A HAND UP NOT A HANDOUT A huge part of what makes Wellspring special is the respectful way they treat their clients. Compassion, Dignity, Empowerment, Respect, Responsibility are their core values. "We sit beside you, not across from you," says Katharine Reardon. "We don't judge you; we want to work with you." The Reverend Robert Edson, board member, volunteer and husband of the late Diane Edson, who passed away in 2000, echoes that sentiment. "Wellspring makes sure that their clients maintain their dignity while they are in great need. This is a friendly, welcoming place where clients are treated with great respect." Robert Edson was with Wellspring from the very beginning. "We gathered clothes at The Episcopal Parish of St. John the Evangelist in Hingham and opened the thrift shop that Diane started from pure faith. In the corner of the shop, she created a little office space where she could sit quietly with people and find out their needs." Katharine Reardon was friends with Diane Edson, and it was her admiration for "Diane's vision and her courage to follow it" that inspired her to begin volunteering at Wellspring. "Diane's willingness to relate to other people and care about other people was remarkable." Today, Wellspring's staff and 150 volunteers are highly skilled and gratified to contribute to helping others at such a productive and beneficial organization. Leadership of Wellspring is extremely proud that of every dollar, 85 cents go to direct client services, and they intend to keep it that way. Wellspring receives one small grant from the state for education. The rest of their funding is through private grants, donations and community generosity. Wellspring's major source of operating and program support is their annual fall fundraiser, Wishes for Wellspring. This fundraising event always attracts a large crowd, enjoying a fun and unique evening while supporting a vital organization. "Not only is this event important for Wellspring's budget, but it also provides a chance for us to show our friends, donors and volunteers how grateful we are for their support," says Harte. This November, Wishes for Wellspring will take place at Red Lion Inn in Cohasset. People who have attended the fall fundraiser in the past know that this is an incredible party. Over a dozen food vendors will provide extraordinary, plentiful food, and there will be a live auction with incredible packages and more surprises. The most touching and popular part of the Wishes for Wellspring is the Wish Wall. Instead of bidding on items, this allows people to choose what wishes they would like to grant for Wellspring clients. "Wishes are important at Wellspring," says Harte. "When you have wishes, it means you still have hope." When Director of Development and Advancement Monica McKenney talks about Wellspring and the Wish Wall, her eyes light up: "People's wishes tell their story in a very honest and very real way. Some may wish for a snowsuit for their baby; others may wish for a second chance." Reverend Diane Edson started Wellspring with the idea that people deserved clothing and a place to feel warm — and to be heard. Now, 34 years later, Wellspring Multi-Service Center has grown into a far-reaching, crucial organization that answers the countless needs of our South Shore community. Says Reverend Robert Edson about his late wife: "I wish I could take Diane on a tour of Wellspring, introduce her to everyone and let her see what she started." Come in and see for yourself all the amazing things that Wellspring is doing and how it can help you, or vice versa. The center is always bustling with clients, staff and volunteers who solve problems and embody the best that our caring community has to offer. To learn more about Wellspring Multi-Service Center, inquire about services or make a donation, call 781.925.3211, visit the website at wellspringmultiservice.org or visit in person at 814 Nantasket Avenue in Hull. You are always welcome. 29 TheSouthShoreMagazine.com WELLSPRING MULTI-SERVICE CENTER 814 Nantasket Avenue / Hull / 781.925.3211 www.wellspringmultiservice.org