A mother’s resolve to overcome her daughter’s life-threatening illness has grown into a mission to serve others. Eliana Jenkinson, founder and director of Well Watered Ministries, launched the nonprofit after a harrowing journey to diagnose and treat her middle child, Alexis, who battled late-stage Lyme disease.
“About two years ago, Alexis started getting sick. Her GI tract stopped working, she had brain fog, aches, and she couldn’t gain weight,” Jenkinson said. “We were hospitalized multiple times and shuffled between specialists at Duke and MUSC before finally finding a functional medicine specialist in Atlanta.”
Jenkinson described the toll the process took on her family, not only emotionally but financially. “Of course, that doctor didn’t take insurance,” she said. “We were wondering how we were going to afford everything.”
It was during this uncertain time that her community stepped in to help. “We got there, and they wanted to run their own labs,” Jenkinson said. “On our way home, we found out that our church had already started a fundraiser for us.”
“Between the two fundraisers, they raised enough money for us to get her treatments and cover medical bills. It was a huge blessing,” Jenkinson said. “Once Alexis’ health improved, I kept thinking, ‘What are you going to do for your community?’”
She added, “I believed it was God’s direction,
and that’s when Well Watered Ministries was born.”
A referral-based organization
Well Watered Ministries provides critical resources for families referred by the Department of Social Services (DSS), local churches, and schools. Each referral undergoes a screening process to ensure the families receiving help are in genuine need.
“Most of our families come through DSS, but we’ve also had churches and other organizations refer families,” said Jenkinson. “We want to make sure we’re helping those with legitimate needs.”
Jenkinson explained the importance of maintaining a referral process. “It’s not about turning people away; it’s about making sure we’re being good stewards of the resources we’ve been given,” Jenkinson explained.
The nonprofit operates a free boutique called The Well. Located at 107 Main Street in Summerton, The Well provides a space where children in foster and kinship care can “shop” for clothing, hygiene items, and essentials.
“Kids often come into care with nothing but the clothes on their backs or a few things carried in trash bags,” Jenkinson said. “At The Well, they get an overnight bag, hygiene kit, and clothing they can pick out themselves. It gives them a sense of pride and control.”
Jenkinson noted the sense of dignity the boutique provides for the children. “Actually being able to shop and pick out their own clothes gives these kids something they’ve often been missing, a sense of autonomy in their lives,” she said.
The ministry also provides monthly food boxes for kinship families, often grandparents or other relatives on fixed incomes who are caring for children. “We’ve started working with local hunters who are donating hamburger meat, and someone just gave us a freezer so we can store it,” Jenkinson said. “It’s small things like that that make a big difference.”
Vision for the future
In just a few months, Well Watered Ministries has assisted 13 families with 31 children. But the organization has bigger plans for the future, including temporary housing for families in need.
“Clarendon County has a long waitlist for housing,” Jenkinson said. “Our dream is to have temporary housing, even if it’s just tiny homes, for single moms or families escaping domestic violence. It would give them a safe place to stay for six months to a year while they get back on their feet.”
The housing initiative aligns with the organization’s mission to provide practical support while encouraging personal growth. “We want to give families the tools they need to live prosperous, happy lives,” Jenkinson said. “It’s not just about meeting immediate needs but helping people grow and overcome their challenges.”
Jenkinson emphasized that the organization is entirely volunteer-driven, operating on donations from businesses, churches, and individuals. “We don’t want to be a crutch,” she said. “We want to be a stepping stone.”
Community involvement
The nonprofit relies heavily on community support. Donations of clothing, infant supplies, and monetary gifts are always welcome, and volunteers are needed to sort items at The Well.
“We also participate in programs like the Sleep Safe initiative,” Jenkinson said. “If DSS or a hospital contacts us about a new mom in need, we can provide a pack-and-play or crib to make sure the baby has a safe sleeping arrangement.”
During the holiday season, the ministry organized a Christmas sponsorship program, securing gifts for 56 children. Volunteers gathered at Summerton Baptist Church to wrap the presents, ensuring every child woke up to a special Christmas morning.
“Waking up on Christmas morning to a true celebration is something every child deserves,” Jenkinson said.
The ministry also plans to partner with local churches for future events. “There are so many churches in the area with resources and volunteers,” Jenkinson said. “We want to connect them to create a greater impact for the community.”
Upcoming events
Well Watered Ministries plans to host its grand opening in January 2025 and invites the community to attend. In the spring, they’ll organize an Easter basket drive, with a goal of providing at least 100 baskets to children in need.
“Everything we do is about sharing the love of Jesus and helping people feel valued,” Jenkinson said. “It’s been an amazing journey so far, and I can’t wait to see where it goes.”
For more information or to donate, visit the Well Watered Ministries Facebook page.
