Wellspring of Greenbrier dedicates Rainelle building to founders Fred and Scarlett Kellerman
Twenty-two years ago, Fred and Scarlett Kellerman responded to what they describe as a calling from God to open Wellspring of Greenbrier in Rupert
By Jenny Harnish, RealWV
RAINELLE, W.Va — Twenty-two years ago, Fred and Scarlett Kellerman responded to what they describe as a calling from God to open Wellspring of Greenbrier in Rupert. Their mission was to help people with low incomes and people experiencing homelessness.
On Thursday, the couple attended the dedication of the building that houses the current Wellspring of Greenbrier in Rainelle.
“We are celebrating and actually dedicating the building — we moved here last June, and we’ve gotten most of the things done to the building that we want to get done, and so we are going to dedicate the building to Scarlett and Fred Kellerman,” current executive director Amanda Jones said.
Jones unveiled a plaque installed beside the front door bearing the inscription “The Kellerman Building” and dedicating the building to Fred and Scarlett Kellerman.
“In 2004, they began the journey for Wellspring, and we want to be able to dedicate this building to them because of how they devoted their lives. They really, truly paved the way and gave a strong foundation for Wellspring.”
Jones said they served 617 people at their last food pantry. The organization offers a day haven for people to come and do laundry, shower, relax, and watch TV.
“We want everyone who walks through those doors to feel welcome. We also have a health care advocacy program, and once a month, we actually offer different clinics,” Jones said. “We see a lot of different types of people come in — a lot of older residents. For them, it’s a socialization thing too. We’re excited to bring that to the community.”
The day haven is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. A choice food pantry is offered twice a month, and a mobile food pantry goes to Rupert once a month.
“We don’t have income guidelines,” she said. “We truly believe there are a lot of different circumstances, and you never know when someone is in need.”
Fred Kellerman said they were honored and pleased to see the plaque.
“Our legacy has really been enhanced by the people running it now — we took it as far as we could,” he said. “We started out just wanting to help a couple of people.”
“It’s a marvelous recognition of something we felt God wanted done.” Kellerman said.
