News
September 24, 2021Wellspring Announces New Mission-Based Facility
For nearly 40 years Wellspring, the organization that provides crisis and support services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Saratoga County, has operated from an out-of-sight basement office on Broadway. Now – after decades of planning, a wildly successful fundraising campaign, and support from hundreds of community members – Wellspring is moving into a new mission-based facility located on route 9 in Malta.
Similar to Wellspring’s current location on Broadway, domestic violence and sexual assault are often hidden from view. “Because relationship abuse is so private, and understandably so, I don’t think many people realize that there is a deep demand for Wellspring’s services throughout our County. Last year we responded to over 1,300 hotline calls,” says Wellspring Executive Director, Maggie Fronk. “Even so, we know that there are many victims who we are still not connecting with. This new building will make Wellspring much more visible, and we hope this means that more people will know that we are here as a resource.”
“Victims of relationship abuse come to us during the darkest and most vulnerable moments of their lives,” says Wellspring Manager, Kathy. “They have repeatedly been told by their abuser that they are worthless. But because of this beautiful new building, now they will arrive at Wellspring and feel hope and optimism for their future.”
Wellspring’s new home will expand their ability to serve more clients. Many times victims of relationship abuse are unable to leave because their abuser has prohibited them from having their own source of income. The agency’s new building will have program space for workforce development to enhance clients’ job skills for career growth and financial literacy classes for self-sufficiency.
In addition to new client services, Wellspring’s new location will include ample space for community prevention and education programs. “This building will allow us to invite the community in,” says Wellspring Executive Director, Maggie Fronk. “We will host professional trainings for our partners in law enforcement and healthcare, leadership seminars for high school and college age students, programs for parents so they can learn how to talk to their children about healthy relationships and consent, partnerships with local businesses, book clubs, a conversation series, and so much more.” These programs will allow Wellspring to be a more visible, accessible, proactive, and community-focused organization in order to provide education and assistance before there is a crisis.
This new building came to life thanks to deep generosity throughout Saratoga and beyond. Campaign Co-Chairs, Stephanie Collins and Linda Toohey, partnered closely with Wellspring Board members and numerous generous donors. Together, Wellspring successfully raised over $3 million for this project, far exceeding their original campaign fundraising goal. Visit www.wellspringcares.org/campaign-information to see the list of generous donors who made this possible.
“This building will forever transform the way Wellspring serves victims of relationship abuse. And it is so much more than just a building – it will be a space where victims can feel empowered in their journey to safety,” says Maggie Fronk. “I can think of no better time to celebrate the opening of our new home then at the start of October which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. To everyone in our community who made this possible, please know how deeply grateful we all are, you are truly changing lives.” Wellspring will begin serving clients in this space on October 4.
The professional team working on this project includes Balzer and Tuck Architecture, The L. A. Group Landscape Architecture & Engineering, and Bonacio Construction, Inc.
For more information about this Campaign, please visit: www.WellspringOpensDoors.com
