Due to cancled snap payments, the wellston center will allow member families to visit twice in November.
more information to come.
Our History
Celebrating 33 years
of Service
For over three decades, the St. Augustine Wellston Center has committed to feeding and clothing Wellston and its surrounding communities. Hundreds of volunteers — over the years — have served at the nonprofit and even more community members have been helped.
1992
Opening
The Wellston Center opened in the old gymnasium of St. Notre Dame of Lourdes in 1992 as part of the work of two sisters, Sr. Ann Marie Owen, OSU, and Sr. Mary Beckman, SSND.
Early Support
In addition to Sr. Beckman and
Sr. Owen, the Wellston Center received support from a series of volunteers and sponsors.
Photo of some of the first volunteers in 1992
1993
Christmas Club
Started by Sr. Jamie Lorene Hogan in 1993, the Christmas Club quickly became a staple program for the Wellston Center, helping an average of 700 families each year for its first decade.
Photos from the first Christmas Club in 1993
1994-1997
Arrival of Sr. Kathy Stark
As the Wellston Center began to grow its outreach, Sr. Kathy Stark, SSND, joined Sr. Beckman as a co-director of the Wellston Center in August of 1994.
Photo of Sr. Stark in the thrift store
Early Programs
From 1994-97, the Wellston Center grew its non-food program, making it a comprehensive service provider for families needing legal or health advice, community support, or even school supplies.
Arrival of Sr. Carol Ann Callahan
The third sister to join the leadership team, Sr. Carol Ann Callahan oversaw the food pantry.
Photo of Sr. Callahan at a Halloween celebration during her first year at the center
2002-2012
A wave of new volunteers
Transitioning, the Wellston navigated the loss of some of its members and the arrival of new volunteers — all while keeping some of its major programs.
Photos of the 2002 10-year anniversary celebration
Nursing Program becomes revamped
Volunteer Sally Reinquest starts nursing coalition and brings nurses to staff the Wellston Center each month amid the void left by the Nurse Is In program.
Sr. Callahan becomes executive director
With the retirement of Sr. Beckman and Sr. Stark from the Wellston Center, Sr. Callahan takes on sole reigns of the center.
Photo of Sr. Callahan as executive director
2018-2019
Wellston Center responds to federal government plans to demolish homes
In the summer of 2018, the federal government proposed to demolish 200 homes in the Wellston community, but the Wellston Center advocated for "its fellow neighbor." After a year-long battle, the federal government instead backed a new plan of investing more for public housing in the city.
Photo of a press conference announcing a new housing plan in 2020
2020-Present
Sr. Callahan steps down, Board steps up during Covid-19
After 22 years of working at the Wellston Center and almost 8 years as director, Sr. Callahan leaves the center. The Board of Director takes over an interim role as the Wellston Center but then has to navigate the early stages of the pandemic.
Photo of food distribution during the pandemic
Haley Calabro becomes new director
Replacing Sr. Callahan in April of 2020, Haley Calabro brings the Wellston Center through the pandemic and expands the center's social media prescence.
Photo of Calabro
Andrew Diemer becomes new director
The current director of the nonprofit, Andrew Diemer is hired in March of 2024 and works with volunteers to find funds for the Wellston Center.
Photo of Diemer