Finding Belonging at The Well: Liam’s Story

Meet Liam, Community Support Provider at The Well

At The Well, we believe that people do their best work when they feel safe, supported, and accepted for who they are. Creating that kind of environment isn’t just important for the individuals we serve—it’s important for our team members, too.

Liam is a Community Support Provider at The Well, where he works alongside individuals navigating mental health and substance use challenges, helping them build stability, independence, and connection in their daily lives.

Recently, we asked Liam to share a little about his journey at The Well and what our culture has meant to him. His story is a powerful reminder that belonging matters and that being able to show up as your authentic self can make all the difference.

Liam’s Story

When I chose The Well for my internship, there were several factors that influenced my decision. I knew some people who worked here, I had previously received services here, and it was a paid internship. As I worked here, I got to know employees from different departments and gained a better understanding of the many ways they support people through different aspects of life.

From the beginning, I felt I could be more myself here than in other work environments I had experienced, although I wasn’t quite ready to go full “Liam” yet. When my internship ended, I was really hoping there would be an opportunity for me to stay with the organization because I felt comfortable with both the staff and the culture. At that time, however, it just wasn’t in the cards.

A few months later, I found myself looking for a part-time job and thought that working in a field related to my education would be a great fit. I was hired as a Recovery Coach, and that role filled a need I had—to give back and help others. Moving between houses gave me the opportunity to meet many different people navigating their own unique struggles: men, women, parents, and individuals at various stages of recovery.

The more clients and staff I met, the more comfortable I became, and the more I wanted to share who I truly am. At the time, I was extremely burned out and frustrated with my full-time job. When I saw a CSP position open, I applied and felt hopeful about the opportunity. I was brought on temporarily to help fill a need, with the possibility of becoming a permanent employee.

I left my previous job, and within a day of starting, I felt welcomed by the department. It wasn’t just suggested that I express myself—it was encouraged. I was told that my personality and skills would be a benefit to both the department and the organization. That encouragement helped me feel safe enough to explore who I really am.

I can be a little out there—okay, maybe a lot out there. Here, I could try different looks and styles that I never felt comfortable expressing before, and instead of judgment, I received compliments and support. Being myself is starting to feel natural. When I occasionally think, “Maybe I’m too much,” I am reminded that I don’t have to hide who I am.

I can be a little kooky. I don’t have to hide that I’m gay. For so long, that part of me felt guarded, like I always had to be prepared to defend myself against someone else’s judgment. At The Well, I have found a safe, caring, and accepting environment where I am finally discovering—or perhaps allowing myself to express—the person I have suppressed for so long.