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Four Quiet Nooks, Countless Moments of Healing

Written by Human Resources on . Posted in Fundraising, Mental health, News, pediatric mental health, Uncategorized.

The WellStone Emergency Services Pediatric Unit is making an extraordinary difference for kids struggling with mental health and substance use crises.

That’s thanks in large part to hundreds of community members who stepped up, generously contributing to WellStone’s Be the Rock capital campaign. Among them, four donors who secured one of the sweetest naming opportunities available within the unit.

“We were called to support the pediatric center because of our experience with our granddaughter’s mental health journey,” said JJ Jayne.

We recently installed signs recognizing the following donors, who supported the center’s quiet nooks:

  • The Jayne Family

  • The Optimist Club of South Huntsville

  • Rachel Brown in memory of Richard Hunter Brown

  • Christy Nichelson in memory of Miriam J. Burnett

When Martin Sisson’s team designed the WES addition, they incorporated four built-in nooks, a pair in each of the two hallways. Kids love the nooks for reading, writing, or just “chilling.”

Dr. Edgar Finn, the Pediatric Unit’s Medical Director, has sessions with patients in these spaces, as well.

These donors made their Be the Rock gifts more than a year ago, long before the center was completed. Today they see the dividends of their charitable investments in the children served by this pediatric unit—the first of its kind in the state and the first extended psychiatric care center for youth in Madison County.

“I was really impressed with the unique design layout, open, airy, with these cool little nooks for young patients to hang out and chill,”
— Dennis Longino, longtime member of the Optimist Club of South Huntsville.
“We are proud that our Optimist Club was able to help make this much needed facility a reality.”

Christy Nichelson also enjoyed visiting the Pediatric Unit, and seeing the connection, compassion, and community her gift helped create for kids in crisis.

“It was simple, really,” said Nichelson. “I just wanted to help provide a safe place for children to heal. They deserve this.”

That safe place for children is serving approximately 50 youth per month, with an average stay of three – four days. They come in with suicidal ideations, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders, and leave with hope, strength, and a treatment plan to guide them on recovery journeys.

You can still be part of this transformational project. To invest in the pediatric unit through WellStone’s Be the Rock capital campaign, [click here]. Naming options are still available.

Introducing The Lantern Circle: Shining a Light on Monthly Giving

Written by Human Resources on . Posted in Fundraising, Mental health, News, pediatric mental health, Uncategorized.

Introducing The Lantern Circle: Shining a Light on Monthly Giving

WellStone is proud to announce its newest giving program: The Lantern Circle—a special group of donors who support our mission through recurring monthly gifts.

By bringing their lanterns together, these generous individuals shine a brighter light on mental wellness in our community and help ensure a stronger, more sustainable future for behavioral healthcare in North Alabama.

“We wanted to make sure that WellStone knew they could count on our donation each month,” said Ann Marie Lang, who, along with her husband Gene, began monthly giving three years ago. “This can make it easier for budgeting purposes of their various programs.“

Pictured: Anne Marie & Gene Lang
Pictured: Anne Marie & Gene Lang

Monthly giving is gaining momentum across the country. Between 2018 and 2022, recurring donations increased by 144% nationwide. While WellStone’s growth hasn’t been quite as fast, it has been steady.

That’s a promising trend. Consistent charitable income provides a strong foundation for planning and expanding services. And according to Giving USA, many monthly donors eventually become major contributors over time.

This type of giving is also a win for donors. It’s flexible, convenient, and often more manageable than a single large gift. One young professional puts it simply:

“I donate $7.36 each month—the cost of my favorite coffee at Gold Sprint.”

It’s a reminder that even modest recurring gifts can go a long way when combined with the collective power of The Lantern Circle. No matter the amount, these donors are lighting the way to hope and healing—month after month.

“Gene and I support WellStone because mental health hasn’t always been talked about,” Ann Marie shared. “It was often kept a secret in families. We’re glad WellStone is bringing education and awareness to the forefront and helping people who are struggling.”

Karen Petersen, WellStone’s Director of Development, is especially excited about the new program and eager to spotlight its supporters.

“We want all of our donors to know how grateful we are,” Petersen said. “Monthly donors have a special kind of dedication. They give month after month, often year after year. That’s a big deal.”

In the coming months, WellStone plans to offer more engagement opportunities for Lantern Circle members.

“We are so glad to be part of this program,” said Ann Marie. “Gene and I are grateful that we can help support mental health in North Alabama. These donations help us feel even more connected to our community.”

The very first monthly donors—Jon and Sonja Rossow—signed up in the fall of 2021, when recurring giving first became available. They were soon followed by Jalynn Whitfield, a local college student.

Since then, the circle has grown, with each member making a lasting difference in the lives of the thousands of children, adults, and seniors WellStone serves each year.

If you’d like to join Ann Marie, Gene, and others in The Lantern Circle, please visit one of our donation pages and select the recurring gift option.

Please note: A minimum monthly donation of $5.30 is required by our donor software platform.

WES Director on Mental Health in Huntsville/Madison County

Written by Human Resources on . Posted in Mental health, News, pediatric mental health, suicide prevention.

Addressing Mental Health Challenges in Our Community

Paula Steele, Director of WellStone Emergency Services, presented to the North Alabama Mental Health Coalition, sharing critical insights into the growing mental health challenges in our community, particularly among youth. The room was filled with key community stakeholders, including HEMSI medical transport, local law enforcement, members of the VA, First Stop, social workers, therapists, and mental health advocates, all dedicated to addressing these pressing issues.

Paula highlighted the alarming rise in depression and suicidal ideation among children, driven by social media and bullying. Children now face bullying not just at school but 24/7 due to constant online exposure, taking a severe toll on their mental health.

Mental Health in Numbers

In 2024, WellStone Emergency Services served 1,615 adults. Of those:

  • 51% experienced suicidal thoughts
  • 80% reported depression or anxiety

Among youth, 74 children were admitted

  • 80% experienced suicidal ideations
  • 92% struggled with depression

These statistics paint a sobering picture of the mental health crisis impacting both adults and children in our community. They also emphasize the critical importance of addressing mental health issues early and providing ongoing care and support.

Working Together for Support

WellStone partners with the North Alabama Mental Health Coalition and other organizations to address these challenges by offering numerous resources.

Our goal is to provide support for the entire community—children and parents, as well as adults and their loved ones. We strive to be there for everyone, including those without loved ones or shelter, ensuring that no one feels alone in their struggle.

By collaborating with others, we aim to address root causes like the negative effects of social media and expand access to care and resources. Together, we can raise awareness, foster understanding, and create a more supportive environment for all.

Extending comfort in Crisis

Written by Human Resources on . Posted in Mental health, News, pediatric mental health, Uncategorized.

Softening the Edges: Sharon Finn’s Gifts of Comfort

At WellStone Emergency Services, we often witness small acts of kindness that make a big difference. One such act comes from Sharon Finn — a talented pianist, dedicated St. Mary’s volunteer, and creative entrepreneur who crafts beautiful satin and fleece pillowcases through her small business.

Over the past year, Sharon has donated dozens of her handcrafted pillows to the WellStone Pediatric Unit, where children and teens aged 12-18 receive emergency mental health care. The soft texture and thoughtful designs bring comfort during difficult times. Some children have asked to take a pillow home, finding solace in these small, meaningful gifts.

“It’s another way to connect with the children and soften the edges,” she said.

Her kindness reflects WellStone’s mission: helping children feel safe, supported, and never alone. Thanks to Sharon and others like her, our community continues to show up with warmth and compassion, helping these young hearts move toward brighter, more hopeful futures.

Sharon’s story reminds us that giving back doesn’t have to be grand to be impactful. A simple, soft gesture can heal in powerful ways.

Jones Family Supports Mental Health

Written by Human Resources on . Posted in Fundraising, Mental health, News, pediatric mental health.

 

Tracy Shields Jones: Committed to Community and Compassionate Care

Tracy Shields Jones, president of Century Automotive Group, has led the family business for decades. As a third-generation dealer, Tracy takes pride in the luxury cars her family sells. But even more than that, she takes great pride in the community her family supports.

“It is just the right thing to do,” said Tracy. “I was raised to believe that if you take care of your community, then it will take care of you! Huntsville is such a great place to do business and raise a family, and we want to make an impact for generations to come.”

Supporting Mental Health Through the Be the Rock Campaign

That’s why Tracy and her husband, George, personally contributed to WellStone’s Be the Rock capital campaign. This campaign raises critical funds for WellStone Emergency Services (WES) — first for adults, and now for youth.

The Jones family was among the first to pledge a major gift when WellStone formally launched the campaign in 2022. Today, a Quiet Room in the temporary WES unit bears the family’s name.

With one in five Americans experiencing mental illness, Tracy recognized the urgent need for the new facility.

“There are so many people that fall through the cracks when it comes to mental illness and addiction,” Tracy reflected. “There are loved ones who don’t need to be admitted to the ER or put in the back of a police car, but there was no other alternative until WellStone Emergency Services.”

Transformative Care for Adults and Youth

The original WES facility, which opened on WellStone’s main Huntsville campus in October 2022, now serves over 150 men and women every month. This fall, the new pediatric addition — Madison County’s first extended psychiatric care center for kids — opened to address the growing need for youth mental health services.

The Jones family’s generous donation is one of hundreds contributing to nearly $2 million raised through the Be the Rock campaign, but Tracy believes the campaign is about more than funds. It’s about growing awareness, removing barriers to access, and providing compassionate care.

“Being a part of WellStone has opened my eyes to the needs in our community,” Tracy said. “The fact that there was a need for the new WellStone Emergency Services Pediatric Unit just breaks my heart. We have got to do better by our youth and those suffering with mental illness. We have got to serve our community through compassionate care for kids and adults in crisis. They need us.”

A Legacy of Giving Back

Three of Tracy and George’s four children are now working at Century Automotive Group and will eventually take over the family business. Just like Tracy and George — and Tracy’s parents, John and Patsy Shields — the next generation is continuing the family’s legacy of philanthropy.

After all, as the Jones family agrees: “It’s the right thing to do!”

Thank you, Tracy and the entire Jones family, for your unwavering support of WellStone and our community!

Cutting the ribbon on WellStone’s 24/7 Pediatric Unit

Written by Human Resources on . Posted in Mental health, News, News & Events, pediatric mental health, suicide prevention.

It’s a big month for mental health care in North Alabama. Thanks to incredible state and local leaders, along with generous donors, volunteers, and advocates, Huntsville is just days from opening a transformational healthcare facility for our kids.

WellStone, in conjunction with the Governor’s office and the Department of Mental Health, cut the ribbon on the WellStone Emergency Services Pediatric Unit last Thursday. It’s the first of its kind in the state.


The 24-bed, 12,000 square foot crisis care center is expected to fill a significant gap in and around Madison County, which presently has no inpatient psychiatric options for youth. As a result, HEMSI transports some 800 children out-of-county, and sometimes out of state, for appropriate care.

“Thanks to this facility, that number will drop, and Alabama families will be able to get help closer to home,” Governor Kay Ivey told the crowd of 200. “This new pediatric unit, with its thoughtful design and dedicated spaces for healing, learning, and celebrating milestones is going to be a true refuge for young people in crisis.”

A refuge for young people, and a godsend for their parents.

“I am so excited about the pediatric unit at WellStone,” said Ryanne Baker, a former Pediatric Emergency Department nurse whose own daughter was inpatient twice. “I think it’ll be a fantastic resource for our community. It’s going to take a heavy burden off the pediatric E.D. and provide a place for families in crisis to go where they’re not feeling like they’re a burden on the system.  It’s where they should be, with people trained and equipped to handle the needs that are unique to children and families in crisis.”

Jeremy Blair, WellStone CEO, understands that the new pediatric unit comes with tremendous challenges. But he also believes in the stellar health care team that will oversee the children’s program.

“We are lucky to have hired Dr. Edgar Finn to serve as the medical director for this unit,” Blair said. “We know Alyssa Perry will do a great job as the unit coordinator under the direction of Paula Steele, our WES Director. These individuals along with the team they have assembled understand the weight of the task, to encounter youth and their families during a time of crisis and offer a resource that could change their path when they leave this building. Our youth deserve this resource and this opportunity to heal and to recover and to live productive lives.”

The $9 million facility was made possible through substantial funding from the State Legislature, Department of Mental Health, and supporters of WellStone’s Be the Rock capital campaign.

“I’m proud of what we have accomplished and I’m even more excited for the weeks ahead as this facility opens its doors and begins serving our children,” the Governor added. “Thank you to everyone who played a role in building this facility and making this vision a reality. Alabama is leading the way, and today we take another step, ensuring that every child has access to the care they need.

WellStone is still raising funds to help cover the gap in construction costs.  Readers who would like to help us “Build a strong foundation of connection, compassion, and community for kids in mental health and substance use crisis” can make a secure, tax-deductible donation online here or contact Karen Petersen to explore major gifts and naming opportunities.

To see more photos, please visit our Flickr page.