Wellspring's Work

 

Christie Keegan was our speaker at this week's meeting. She is director of programming for Wellspring, which not long ago moved its headquarters to 2816 Route 9 in Malta.

Wellspring provides services related to domestic violence and sexual assault. Its programs include an emergency shelter, a 24/7 hot line, counseling, assistance with housing and legal needs, a food pantry and more. While it works with government agencies such as the Department of Social Services, Keegan said "Public services are often unhelpful." It does not charge for these services, relying on grants, donations and volunteer support.

Wellspring began, Keegan said, almost 40 years ago in a building in Saratoga Springs linked to St. Clement's Church, which continues to support the organization. While most victims are female, Keegan began her talk with the story of how in the 1980s she was shocked to discover that a male friend was being abused by his female spouse.

One key tip-off to an abusive relationship, she said, is if one partner is afraid of the other.