job training

Wellspring House Celebrates 51 English Language Learners at Annual ESOL Year-End Ceremony in Gloucester

~ Wellspring House

Mayor Paul Lundberg joins students, families, and community members to honor milestone achievements in English language and digital literacy

On Thursday evening, June 18, Wellspring House welcomed nearly 100 guests to its annual ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Year-End Celebration in downtown Gloucester, honoring 51 students who completed English language and computer literacy courses this spring. The evening included a Certificate of Completion ceremony, remarks by Gloucester Mayor Paul Lundberg, and a reception featuring food prepared by students representing their home countries.

In total, 56 Certificates of Completion were presented recognizing completion of four spring ESOL classes and one spring Computer Class, with five students earning certificates in both. Mayor Lundberg joined the speaking program and took photos with students, celebrating a group that reflects the diversity and determination at the heart of the Gloucester community.

Wellspring 2026 ESOL Students with Mayor Paul Lundberg and Wellspring Volunteers

Meeting People Where They Are

Wellspring’s ESOL program is built on a simple but powerful principle – to meet people where they are and provide the range of services they need to move forward. Classes are offered in person at the Sawyer Free Library, a partnership that reflects Gloucester’s deep commitment to access and inclusion, and online, ensuring the program is available to participants regardless of schedule or circumstance.

The program’s core instruction is delivered by experienced teachers across three levels: Basic Beginner, Advanced Beginner, and Intermediate, with curriculum covering grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation alongside real-world skills such as completing job applications and navigating public services. Complementing the classroom experience, Wellspring volunteers lead small group sessions that provide additional support for students at all three levels, as well as focused instruction in foundational literacy skills and citizenship test preparation. Computer skills classes round out the program’s offerings.

Wellspring student Marlon Nunez, Wellspring’s Melissa Dimond and Mayor Paul Lundberg

This year, Wellspring also expanded its digital literacy offerings through 15-hour computer courses covering email, Google Suite, and internet browsing. To remove access barriers entirely, laptops and hotspots were distributed to students at no cost, made possible through a partnership with MassHire Metro North Workforce Board.

“These students are not just building language skills – they are building futures,” said Melissa Dimond, President and Executive Director of Wellspring House. “Every person who walks through our doors is working toward something larger – a better job, a stronger connection to their community, a more secure life for their family. That is exactly what Wellspring exists to support, and we are so proud of everything this year’s students have achieved.”

A Community of Friends and Neighbors

Gloucester has always been shaped by people who came here and built a life, and that story continues with this year’s graduates. These students are not just program participants; they are friends, neighbors, and part of the fabric of this community, working hard to build new skills and deepen their connection to the place they call home.

The impact of that work was best captured by the students themselves. Tania, an ESOL graduate, shared: “I applied for another job and the pay is better. Now I can make appointments for my children and for me without a translator, and in job interviews I no longer need to use a translator.” For Julio, the classroom built something equally important: “I’m feeling more confident when I have conversations with customers. Wellspring has helped me a lot to improve my English. I’m so happy to be here.”

Wellspring Student Yovany Bail Perez, Wellpsring Volunteer Tutor Elizabeth Hill & Wellspring’s Andy Allen

Why It Matters

For many North Shore families, limited English proficiency creates interconnected barriers to employment, stable housing, and civic participation. Financial security is the most powerful foundation for a healthy, self-determined life and English language proficiency is a critical gateway to getting there.

These outcomes are made possible by the generous support of donors, partners, volunteers, and advocates who believe that financial security and opportunity should be within reach for every North Shore resident.

To learn more about supporting or volunteering with Wellspring, please visit wellspringhouse.org.

When the Right Support Meets the Right Moment 

~ Wellspring House

June has been a season of celebration at Wellspring House. In a matter of weeks, we marked three milestones: 31 adults graduating from our Healthcare Office Support Training program at MGB Salem Hospital with a historic 100% graduation rate; 18 local Cape Ann high school graduates awarded scholarships, and the first Cape Ann High School Graduates Fund cohort to cross the college graduation stage; and 56 students completing spring English language and computer literacy courses at a joyful evening in Gloucester.

Each celebration is a testament to what becomes possible when opportunity and support come together, and a reflection of what this community has chosen to invest in.

But behind every ceremony is a harder truth. A thriving community depends on people who can afford to live and work locally. When housing becomes unstable and wages fail to keep pace with the cost of living, that foundation erodes. Parents without childcare, residents without reliable transportation, families in unstable housing – these are compounding barriers that, without the right support, make long-term stability feel out of reach.

Financial security is the most powerful lever we have for improving quality of life, health, and opportunity. That belief is at the core of everything Wellspring does.

Since 1981, Wellspring has worked to turn potential into progress across the North Shore, combining housing stability, education, job training, and career readiness under one roof. This year, we worked with more than 2,000 individuals and families across 20 cities and towns. We don’t ask people to choose between stability and advancement. We provide both, simultaneously, for as long as it takes.

Tuesday, June 30th marks the end of our fiscal year. If these stories move you, we invite you to learn more about Wellspring and consider joining the community of supporters who make this work possible. Visit wellspringhouse.org.

Wellspring House Celebrates 18 Recipients at Annual Scholarship Award Celebration

~ Wellspring House

Wellspring House Marks Historic Milestone as First Scholarship Cohort Graduates College

Wellspring House celebrated 18 scholarship recipients, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college, at its 2026 Scholarship Award Celebration last Thursday, June 11, 2026, marking a significant milestone for one of the organization’s signature education programs. For the first time, students from the inaugural cohort of the Cape Ann High School Graduates Fund graduated from college. 

2026 Cape Ann High School Graduate Fund Awardees

The celebration brought together scholarship recipients with their family and friends, Gloucester Public Schools representatives including Superintendent Ben Lummis, GHS Principal Dr. John Perella, Wellspring Staff, Board members and supporters, and community members to recognize students pursuing higher education, workforce training, and career advancement. The event also featured remarks from two alumni of the Cape Ann High School Graduates Fund, who reflected on their educational journeys and the support that helped them persist through college and into their careers. 

2026 Robert Clark Rogers Opportunity Fund Awardees

“Looking back, I realize success was never about having all the answers,” said scholarship alumnus Yahir Vasquez. “It came from community, being willing to make mistakes, and continuing to show up even when things felt difficult.” 

Recipients of two scholarships were honored during the event. The Cape Ann High School Graduates Fund awards up to $10,000 per academic year, and up to $40,000 per student, with the option to carry funding into a fifth year, to Gloucester residents graduating from Cape Ann high schools and pursuing a higher education degree. To be considered, students must be actively working with Wellspring or referred by a guidance counselor. The Robert Clark Rogers Opportunity Fund supports Wellspring program participants by covering education expenses that many scholarships overlook, including transportation, supplies, books, online resources, and computers. Together, the two scholarships help remove the financial barriers that can prevent students from achieving their educational and career goals. 

2022 Cape Ann High School Scholarship Fund recipient Yahir Vasquez and 2026 Scholarship recipient Anas Yousif

“Watching the first cohort of Cape Ann High School Graduates Fund students graduate from college is a moment we have worked toward for years, and it speaks to something deeper about how Wellspring works,” said Melissa Dimond, the organization’s President and Executive Director. “We meet people where they are, whether that’s a student who needs extra support navigating in their first semester or someone moving forward from a major family setback losing their housing, and we stay with them as they work toward stability and success. The long-term commitment is what makes the difference.” 

Scholarship Review Panel Members Krystal Williams, Katie O’Leary and Kristin Michel

The scholarship selection process is led by a special advisory committee made up of members of Wellspring’s staff and board of directors, and community partners. This year the committee reviewed over 35 applications, conducted interviews, and nominated the recipients based on a variety of factors, ranging but not limited to education and career goals, essays, personal statements, and financial need.  

“As a first-year Board Member at Wellspring House, I was honored to have the opportunity to serve on the Scholarship Committee. Meeting and interviewing the candidates was one of the most rewarding experiences of my time with Wellspring. Each student shared their unique passions, goals, and determination to further their education, and I was inspired by their drive and commitment to their future. “Knowing that I played a small part in helping support their educational journey is incredibly meaningful. Investing in students and their potential is truly an investment in our community’s future, and I am grateful to be involved in such an impactful program,” shared Krystal Williams, Wellspring House Board Member and AVP, Branch Manager Cape Ann Saving Bank.  

“At Wellspring, our commitment to students extends far beyond graduation. We are dedicated to supporting our participants throughout their educational journey and as they take their next steps toward career and personal success. This graduating class represents not only an important milestone, but also the beginning of new opportunities and achievements ahead. Through continued mentorship, resources, and community connections, we remain invested in helping each student reach their full potential,” said Andy Allen, Director of Education and Career Pathways, Wellspring House. 

Wellspring’s President Melissa Dimond

These scholarships are part of Wellspring’s broader Education and Career Pathways programs, which equip adults and young adults with the credentials, skills, and confidence needed to pursue education, employment, and long-term economic mobility. For many recipients, particularly those who are the first in their families to attend college, the scholarships represent more than financial assistance. Through career advising, mentorship, scholarship support, and ongoing guidance, Wellspring helps students navigate the transition from high school to college and from college into careers, creating pathways to opportunity that extend well beyond graduation day. 

Many of this year’s scholarship recipients will continue their educational journeys at institutions including North Shore Community College and Salem State University, longstanding Wellspring partners that provide accessible paths to degree attainment for North Shore students.  

The celebration reflects the scale of Wellspring’s broader reach across Cape Ann, where demand for these programs continues to grow. During the past year, 135 adults enrolled in Wellspring’s ESOL program, 100 adults prepared for the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET), and 87 high school seniors and recent graduates received career advising and scholarship support services. Wellspring remains the only HiSET testing site on Cape Ann and recently expanded its ESOL programming to include digital literacy and career advising. 

2022 Cape Ann High School Scholarship Fund recipient Kaelyn Battle, and 2026 Scholarship recipient Kiara Olson

These outcomes are made possible by donors, partners, and advocates who believe that financial security should be within reach for every North Shore resident.  For more information or to support these critical programs, visit wellspringhouse.org.

2026 Scholarship Awardees with special guests GHS Principal Dr. Perella and Superintendent Lummis

2026 Robert Clark Rogers Opportunity Fund Recipients: Britney Aguilar, Yaira Baez, Lizy Erazo Jesika Gutierrez, Auraylia Lord, Kiara Olson, Evan Porter, Jazmin Saloj, Molly Taormina, Julia Tremblay

2026 Cape Ann Graduate Fund Recipients: Sean Abell, Jamani Belle, Ayden Curley, Alyssa Estime, Shyia-Rose Goodrich, Jennifer Magalhaes, Jaylen Severino, Anas Yousif

All Photo Credits: Kendra Dott Photography | Sharon’s Studio of Gloucester

Wellspring House Raises $250,000 at Celesong 2026 Celebrating Community, Music, and Mission

~ Wellspring House

Annual fundraising event draws nearly 300 supporters for a spectacular evening of storytelling, song, and generosity on the North Shore

Wellspring House hosted its annual Celesong fundraising event on Friday evening, May 1, 2026, at the Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport, raising over $250,000 in support of its housing, education, job training, and career readiness programs across the North Shore. Nearly 300 guests gathered for an unforgettable evening of music, storytelling, and community, set against a breathtaking sunset over Rockport Harbor.

The night featured a Nashville-style songwriters’ round with nationally acclaimed artists Darrell Scott, Beth Nielsen Chapman, and Marcus Hummon – three Songwriters Hall of Fame inductees whose music and storytelling moved the audience throughout the evening. Billy Costa returned as emcee, bringing his signature energy to a live auction that included an exclusive Tim McGraw at Fenway Park package and a custom guitar signed by the night’s featured artists.

“Celesong is a magical night for a powerful purpose,” said Melissa Dimond, President and Executive Director of Wellspring House. “The generosity of this community, and the beauty of the evening, was a powerful reminder of what we are building together and why it matters. Every dollar raised helps ensure we can keep removing barriers and creating pathways to opportunity for the more than 2,000 people who turn to Wellspring each year.”

The funds raised at Celesong 2026 will directly support Wellspring’s work across the North Shore. Wellspring serves residents in 20 cities and towns, with an emphasis on Gloucester, Lynn, Salem, Peabody, and Beverly. Combining workforce development with wraparound housing and stabilization supports, Wellspring helps adults and young people navigate the challenges to completing training, securing viable employment, and earning wages that better align with the true cost of living. As housing, childcare, transportation, and other everyday expenses continue to outpace wages, Wellspring provides longer-term advising, coaching, and resource navigation designed to drive lasting economic mobility – because at Wellspring, every person has a story worth telling, and worth investing in.

“The Celesong event for Wellspring is a winning night for all of us – and the real winners are the families who receive much-needed assistance from the amazing work Wellspring does,” said featured artist Darrell Scott. “It is community helping community – good people helping good people.”

Wellspring House extends its deepest gratitude to the event’s sponsors, board members, volunteers, and guests whose generous support made the evening possible.

To learn more about Wellspring House or to make a gift in support of its work, visit wellspringhouse.org.

Darrell Scott, Beth Nielsen Chapman, and Marcus Hummon perform at the Shalin Liu Performance Center during Wellspring House’s benefit Celesong 2026

CELESONG 2026: A night of music and song in support of Wellspring House

~ Wellspring House

A Nashville-Style Songwriters’ Round Featuring Darrell Scott, Beth Nielsen Chapman & Marcus Hummon

Wellspring House will present Celesong 2026—its most important annual fundraising event—on Friday, May 1, 2026, at the Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport. Doors open at 6:15 pm for an unforgettable evening that brings together music lovers, community champions, and supporters of Wellspring’s mission for a Nashville-style songwriters’ round featuring extraordinary talent and storytelling.

Wellspring creates opportunity for families and young adults across the North Shore through stable housing, education, job training, and career readiness. Each year, more than 2,000 people turn to Wellspring for support to overcome barriers, build skills, and move toward stability and financial independence, one family, one job, and one home at a time.

Returning to the Celesong stage is nationally acclaimed singer-songwriter Darrell Scott, joined by Beth Nielsen Chapman and Marcus Hummon. Between them, these legendary artists have earned inductions to the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Grammy Awards, and Lifetime Achievement honors. Their music and storytelling have shaped generations, and together they bring uncommon depth, heart, and connection to every stage they share.

The evening will also feature an intimate live auction with a handful of carefully chosen items, including an exclusive Tim McGraw at Fenway Park package and a custom guitar signed by the night’s featured artists. Billy Costa will once again serve as emcee and bring his signature energy to the auction block, making it one of the most exciting moments of the evening.

Tickets are available to purchase at wellspringhouse.org/celesong2026. Early purchase is encouraged as space is limited. Tickets range from $100–$150. 

Wellspring is grateful to the sponsors who have committed their support, including Legacy Sponsor Institution for Savings; Resiliency Sponsors: EBSCO and Quantum Surfer; Determination Sponsors: Albrecht Auto Group, Cape Ann Savings Bank, and New England Biolab; Strength Sponsors: Annisquam Landcare, Beacon Pointe Advisors, Beauport Financial Services, Brian Orr Pediatrics, Coldwell Banker, Corporate Legal Partners, F.L. Putnam Investment Management Co, Gorton’s, Salem Five Charitable Foundation, Sawyer Free Library, The Housewright Co., and W.T. Rich; and Community Sponsors: Elaine Quinn Interiors, Kristin Francoeur & Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty, and Community Credit Union, along with a number of individual and family sponsors.

Date: Friday, May 1, 2026 | Location: Shalin Liu Performance Center (37 Main St, Rockport, MA) | Time: 6:45 PM – 9:00 PM, Doors open at 6:15PM | Tickets: wellspringhouse.org/celesong2026/

This special night sells out fast, so don’t miss your chance to be a part of it.

Photo from Celesong 2025 at Shalin Liu Performance Center

One magical night for a powerful purpose — bringing our community together through song and storytelling to support Wellspring House’s work of opening doors to opportunity, one family, one job, and one home at a time.