Opening Doors and Shedding Light
New location for Wellspring expands opportunities to support survivors and work to end relationship and sexual abuse
Part of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to open doors in our community – but we’re not the only ones in the business of opening doors to new possibilities. Opening a brand-new location in Saratoga County, Wellspring knows the life-changing impact an open door can have for a member of our community.
Established nearly 40 years ago, Wellspring has been committed to helping survivors of relationship abuse and sexual assault. Domestic violence happens to be the second most violent crime in Saratoga County.
And Wellspring is working to change that.
On an annual basis, the crisis intervention and survivor services team support more than 1,000 clients in providing comprehensive, compassionate, non-judgmental, completely free support in the form of counseling, legal advocacy, and case management. Wellspring also provides safe housing for adults and children who are either fleeing domestic violence or are currently homeless because of it.
“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,” said Maggie Fronk, Wellspring executive director. “In 2020, we responded to over 1,300 hotline calls, and even so, we know that there are many victims who we are still not connecting with.”
With a new home for Wellspring and expanded services, the hope is that the connections will grow tremendously.
Wellspring recently celebrated a ribbon cutting with the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, local government officials, and members of the community to commemorate this special occasion. It officially opened its doors to the new, mission-based facility on Route 9 in Malta, N.Y. on Monday, October 4, giving the Wellspring team the ability to offer even more impactful programs and services to Saratoga County residents.
“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,” said Fronk. “We may not be in the same place, but we’re still here for you. If folks have concerns about getting here because it’s not as walkable as it was in Saratoga Springs, give us a call – we’re still here, and we can help you get here.”
While the facility may be new, Wellspring’s mission will remain the same. Building upon its client services, the team will now offer program space for workforce development to enhance clients’ job skills for career growth and financial literacy for self-sufficiency. Clients will remain at the heart of Wellspring’s purpose, but the new location will expand opportunities to connect with the community, as well.
Members of the community will be invited in for professional trainings, leadership seminars, book clubs, and much more. Series such as “Community Conversations” will help the community learn more about the issues at hand along with what they can do as individuals or as groups. Wellspring plans to build stronger partnerships with local law enforcement agencies, medical providers, educators, students, and parents to shed light on an issue not often talked about.
"We're honored to have been part of this special occasion for Wellspring," said Todd Shimkus, president, Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. "The tremendous leadership and support involved to make this new location a reality speaks to the importance of the work Maggie and her team are doing for our Saratoga County community."
As the doors of Wellspring’s new facility open, Fronk and her team reflect on the gratitude they have for the community who helped make this dream possible.
“This project was many years in the planning and making,” said Fronk. “It really is a tribute to our community’s commitment to know that the facility was built and funds were raised during COVID when things were unstable for many people.
That’s because of the phenomenal support and generosity from all over our community, and we are so grateful for that.”
To learn more about Wellspring and its mission, visit: https://www.wellspringcares.org/
