By Carol Britton Meyer

Wellspring Multi-Service Center recently moved its Weymouth facility to a new, much larger location on Route 53, welcoming residents of Hull and surrounding communities to take advantage of the additional services offered there.

“There are no geographic boundaries,” Wellspring President and CEO Vinny Harte told The Hull Times.

The Hull location at 814 Nantasket Ave. will continue to operate a thrift shop, Aunt Dot’s food pantry, the kitchen, and all of the social services currently offered there.

The main difference is that classes will now be offered at the Weymouth location at 875 Washington St., while the former Hull classroom will be transformed into a second retail store with a focus on furniture and some unique one-of-a-kind items. There will also be a small cafe.

“There’s a job skills piece to the new retail store,” Harte said.

This shop will be operated and staffed by adults with intellectual disabilities, “creating a program where they will run all facets of the retail operation, do some cooking and furniture refinishing, and curate the area,” Harte said. “This will empower these individuals and give them transferable skills that they can use for the rest of their lives.”

Wellspring began in Hull in 1985, when the late Rev. Diane Edson (above) rented a single Hull storefront after recognizing that many people needed assistance on the South Shore. Wellspring emerged as a safe place for neighbors needing to grab a cup of coffee and a warm coat as they sought help. Over the years, Wellspring grew into a community and regional resource.

Loyal following

Harte noted that Wellspring has a “very loyal following” – with a special interest in the thrift shops. Both locations have a community resource director and a case manager, with help available in filling out applications for heating assistance, food stamps (now referred to as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – SNAP), and other programs. There also is a legal advocate to assist clients free of charge.

Aunt Dot’s food pantry serves Hull residents only, with rides available and delivery to any Hull resident in need.

The Weymouth Wellspring partners with the food pantry in that town, which runs a mobile food pantry out of a converted school bus and stops at the Weymouth facility twice a week.

Wellspring operates a food truck

The Hull-based food truck also provides fresh meals at the Weymouth site, delivered by volunteers. Hull resident Anne Stenfors – a former executive chef for Alma Nove in Hingham and the former Saporito’s restaurant in Hull – is the culinary director and runs and schedules the food truck.

Looking toward the holidays, Wellspring continues to collaborate with Alma Nove and Chef Paul Wahlberg to provide Thanksgiving dinners. Signups are underway.

“People can stop by the Hull food pantry or call there and ask to be put on the list,” Harte said. “We’ll be offering a full Thanksgiving meal prepared by Alma Nove for pickup or delivery.”

Following Thanksgiving, details will be available about the holiday gift program.

Wellspring’s philosophy continues to be “providing support and skills to people facing challenges to their well-being to help them achieve independence and self-sufficiency,” Harte said.

For more information about the programs offered by Wellspring in Hull and Weymouth, visit https://wellspringmultiservice.org.

Like what you’re reading? Stay informed and support our work with a Hull Times subscription by clicking here.

Do you have an opinion to share? Click here to write a Letter to the Editor.