Wellspring Living announced today that the nonprofit organization’s founder and executive director, Mary Frances Bowley, will retire effective January 1, 2024, after an incredible 23 years of dynamic trailblazing and life-changing leadership.
Wellspring Living will continue to forge a pathway for those who have been victimized and who are at risk. Christian Murphy who was hired in the fall of 2022 as Deputy Director will transition into Chief Executive Officer and will lead the organization with Chief Culture and Strategy Officer, Amber Stewart, and Chief Program Officer, Dr. Alissa Tertichny.
In 2000, Bowley became aware of the hidden truth that there were unseen, marginalized women in the community with no access to opportunities that could positively change the trajectory of their lives. As a result of this realization, she launched Wellspring Living in 2001 to provide tangible care for women in need. The first women served by Wellspring Living were survivors of sexual exploitation which became the focus. The organization expanded to serve children several years later after then Mayor Shirley Franklin brought the issue of CSEC (Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children) to Bowley’s attention.
Because of her perseverance, compassion, and faith, Wellspring Living has reached thousands of women and children in need of hope and transformative care. Bowley was a founding member of the Governor’s Task Force for CSEC Victims, a member of the Georgia Commission on Family Violence and is currently on First Lady Kemp’s GRACE Commission. Bowley is a recipient of numerous awards such as, The Phoenix Award issued by Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and The Dream Forward Award issued by Dr. Bernice King. Bowley has authored three books, League of Dangerous Women, The White Umbrella, and Make It Zero: The Movement to Safeguard Every Child.
“Wellspring Living would not exist without the founding vision and profoundly dedicated leadership of Mary…
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