New ShopWell store opening soon, supporting survivors of human trafficking

A new shopping destination with a mission is coming soon to the St. Clair County town of Springville. This weekend, The Wellhouse—a faith-based nonprofit that provides safe housing + more to survivors of human trafficking—is opening the ShopWell Store, a new establishment designed to help survivors gain skills, earn income and move toward sustainable independence.

Creating jobs for survivors through ShopWell Store

Did you know that one of the largest residential programs in the country dedicated to serving women who have been trafficked or sexually exploited operates right here in Alabama?

Founded in 2010, the WellHouse is an emergency, 24-hour shelter offering immediate assistance to trafficked women from anywhere in the country. Now, the nonprofit is opening a new storefront designed to employ survivors and give them the opportunity to gain employment skills, earn income and build confidence towards a sustainable independence.

Located at 6099 U.S. Highway 11 in Springville, the ShopWell Store will feature:

• Products from 30 freedom-based businesses 
• A coffee shop where every purchase supports survivor employment 
• A candle-making studio for hands-on experiences and private parties 
• Thriftique, featuring “like new, with tags” brand-name clothing, shoes and bags 

The building itself—originally constructed in the 1940s—was fully gutted and renovated by survivors alongside commercial and residential remodeling service Woodfern Design & Build.

“One of the most meaningful parts of this project is that survivors didn’t just prepare to work in the store, they helped build it. One of those survivors is Jana, a graduate of The WellHouse who is now pursuing a degree in construction while serving as ShopWell’s Recovery Coordinator. Jana, alongside other survivors, played a significant role in bringing this space back to life. That transformation mirrors the work we see every day at The WellHouse. Just as this building has been restored with purpose and care, so are the lives of the women we serve. ShopWell extends that impact beyond our walls by featuring products from more than 30 freedom businesses across the country, creating a marketplace where every purchase helps support survivors rebuilding their lives.”

Haley Jones, Development Director of The WellHouse

The ShopWell Store opens in Springville on July 10 + 11

The community is invited to celebrate the opening of ShopWell Store during a two-day grand opening event on Friday, July 10, and Saturday, July 11. During the grand opening, visitors can explore the new shop, browse products and learn more about how every purchase helps create employment opportunities for women rebuilding their lives through The WellHouse.

Excited to visit the ShopWell Store in Springville? Tag us @bhamnow to let us know!