Mission
Wellspring Youth United exists to reflect the love of Jesus by cultivating spaces that promote mental health, where young people feel safe to heal, supported to grow, empowered to lead, and whole to thrive through community and purpose-driven programs.
Vision
We envision a rising generation of thriving young leaders advancing mental health, who lead with compassion, faith, and integrity, transforming their families, schools, and communities.
Values
We cultivate spaces of peace, joy, and renewal where young people feel safe to heal, grow, reflect, and discover purpose within supportive community.
Wellspring
Youth-Centered Development
Young people are at the heart of our work. We invest in their mental, emotional, and spiritual growth while empowering them to shape solutions, lead initiatives, and strengthen self-control as they make healthy choices.
We foster belonging and authentic Christ-centered connection grounded in unconditional love and kindness, ensuring young people feel seen, supported, and valued.
Connection
We approach our work with humility, leading and learning through service, openness, and a continual willingness to grow alongside others.
Humility
Purposeful Leadership
We support young people in discovering their spiritual identity, gifts, and purpose while equipping them to boldly lead with integrity and compassion.
The "Why"
Young people today are facing increasing challenges related to mental health, isolation, stress, trauma, grief, identity, and lack of supportive community. In Chicago, many adolescents are navigating various mental health challenges and community trauma while schools and support systems remain stretched beyond capacity.
Despite growing needs, stigma and access barriers prevent many young people from seeking help. Many carry emotional burdens silently. They may have community, but not vulnerability. They may have faith exposure, but lack guidance on how mental and emotional wellness intersect with spiritual identity.
Wellspring Youth United exists to help create safe, structured environments where healing can happen, leaders emerge, and young people feel seen, supported, and whole to thrive.
Our Story
Wellspring Youth United was created from years of youth leadership, mental wellness advocacy, and firsthand experiences witnessing the emotional challenges many young people silently carry. Through personal healing, community work, grief, and renewed faith, our founder felt called to create safe mental health focused spaces where youth could heal, grow, and discover purpose in
supportive community.
Inspired by Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well, Wellspring Youth United reflects the power of compassion, restoration, and transformation, creating spaces where young people can come to the “Well” and rise as leaders who bring hope and healing to others.