Torch Technologies and Freedom Real Estate have made their philanthropic marks in North Alabama. WellStone is grateful to be among the organizations supported by these generous companies.
In 2022, Starfish Holdings first donated to WellStone’s Be the Rock capital campaign on behalf of its subsidiaries, Freedom and Torch. The company’s first round of funding supported construction of WellStone Emergency Services (WES), North Alabama’s first 24/7 crisis care center for adults.
“WellStone’s mission deeply resonated with us, and being involved in its early stages was both humbling and inspiring,” said company founder Bill Roark. “We recognized the critical need for accessible mental health services and the potential impact WellStone could have in filling that need in our area. Our role in helping WellStone get off the ground affirmed our commitment to improving access to care and reducing stigma surrounding mental illness and addiction.”
WellStone was honored to recognize the initial gift with naming opportunities at WES. The Consult Room for Torch, and the Medical Room, for Freedom.
Roark and other corporate representatives recently visited WES. They toured the facility, learned more about the center’s important services, and saw the rooms that bear their names.
“Torch and Freedom are incredible neighbors,” said WellStone CEO Jeremy Blair, referencing the companies’ proximity to our main campus. “Mr. Roark and his team contribute so much to North Alabama and are making a huge difference for adults and children experiencing mental health and substance use crises.”
Parent company Starfish made another substantial gift to the second phase of the Be the Rock campaign in 2023. This gift supports our critically needed children’s addition. When the pediatric crisis center is completed later this year, a Torch sign will hang over the Multipurpose Room.
“Our commitment to WellStone’s adult center and the subsequent addition of a pediatric wing reflects our belief in comprehensive mental health care for individuals of all ages,” added Roark. “Seeing WellStone flourish validates the importance of our continued support and motivates us to continue advocating for these resources in our community.”
If you’d like to join Roark and others in supporting WellStone, please click here.
WellStone’s work in mental health, substance abuse, and crisis care takes purpose, passion, and partnerships. It also takes the support of generous donors like the Torch and Freedom families. We are grateful for their role in strengthening WellStone, and helping us create a strong foundation of compassion, connection, and community for adults—and soon, children—in mental health crisis.
WellStone is grateful for your support, regardless of donation size or type. Here are four ways to make a gift to WellStone. Each contribution makes a difference. Give a gift to support life-changing and lifesaving mental healthcare and substance abuse treatment services. Mental illness and substance use disorders affect all of us, either directly or indirectly.
Follow us on social media to learn more about who WellStone is and the services we provide.