Welman Project

As part of our ongoing mission to create awareness and connection throughout our neighborhood to community service opportunities across Tarrant County, our committee thought it would be helpful to spotlight a family and the organization they support.

For our inaugural article, we chose the O’Connell family and the commitment they have made to support the Welman Project. I sat down recently with Jen and Ryan, and their three daughters, Mackenzie, Brynn, and Norah to talk about their support of the Welman Project.

• What led you to this service opportunity?

  Jen: I heard about the Welman Project initially through my involvement with Daggett Elementary/Middle? PTA.  Representatives from the Welman Project came to a meeting this past spring? and talked about who they were and what they needed.  I liked the idea of being able to provide free school supplies for teachers, whether they be teaching at the elementary, middle, or high school level. 

• How often do you go?

  Jen: We started going this past summer as the girls schedule permitted.

• What kinds of things do you get to do?

  Mackenzie, Norah, and Brynn:  We get to sort school supplies and test out electronic items that are donated to make sure they work before they are put on the shelf.  We also get to process the donations when someone brings stuff in to the store and then put items on the shelves.

• How did you feel about the opportunity to support the Welman Project initially? 

  Brynn: I wasn’t that excited about it.  Mainly because I didn’t know what it was going to be about. 

  Mackenzie: No one was excited.

  Norah: It’s the first day of summer break and it’s 7am and we are doing something I know nothing about. 

• How do you feel about it now?

  Brynn - It’s really fun and I like how it supports teachers. Giving them free stuff.  Sorting all sorts of things is a fun thing to do.

  Mackenzie - I really enjoy being there.  It’s a great atmosphere.  

  Norah - l like the

• Why is it important to serve the Welman Project?

  Jen: Teachers don’t always have the budget available to buy what they need to buy.  This helps them avoid paying for school supplies out of their own pocket.  They also realize that reusing items helps to minimize waste.  Helps teachers focus on teaching.

• What would you tell another family looking for community service opportunities in the area?

  Jen: Definitely consider the Welman Project.  They welcome children and families.  Ages 15 and up may volunteer without a parent. Kids 10 and up are welcome with parent or guardian supervision. They have easy on-line scheduling system and can record and certify hours if needed.  And no special skills are required.  They will train you for a needed task when you are scheduled to volunteer.

Thank you O’Connell family for your commitment to the greater good of our local community.  

The Welman Project connects schools and nonprofits with the community in ways that ignite creativity, environmental activism, and social responsibility.  They work with educators primarily in the Fort Worth ISD, as well as in public, private and charter schools across DFW.  They are a free resource, distributing surplus materials from local companies for creative reuse in the classroom and beyond.  Their mission is to Conserve, Contribute, and Create.

Website: https://www.thewelmanproject.org
Address:  3950 W Vickery Blvd, Ft. Worth, TX  76107
Hours:  Wed - Fri  12-6 pm | Sat - Sun  9 am - 6 pm
info@thewelmanproject.org
817.924.4000