At Jacob’s Well, Inc
News - Top Stories
Below are some stories of recent events taking place with our organization. For information about the past year, please browse our newletters listed on the right side of this page.
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Victor Mason 1958 - 2011
On September 15, Victor Mason, a staff member, friend and former resident of At Jacobs Well passed away. Victor performed maintenance duties for our organization and was well known and loved by his fellow staff members, our residents, our volunteers, members of the Board of Directors and friends. In July 2005, one of our houses, 333 E. 25th Street, was renamed "Victor's Home" in honor of him.
Dozens of Victor's friends gathered at a memorial service on September 21st in District Heights and on September 28th in Baltimore. The following is excerpted from his obituary written for the September 21st service:
"Victor Troy Mason was born February 11, 1958 in Washington, DC; he was the seventh of eight children born to the late Romaine E. Mason. While battling the demons of mental illness and spending several years living on the street, he eventually settled in Baltimore where he met Sister Margo Thomas. She helped Victor find the proper medication and the necessary support he needed to cope with his illness. Shortly after, he proudly graduated and obtained employment with At Jacobs Well. For the next 25 years, Victor carried the weight of anyone he came in contact with. He did his best to meet their basic needs for that day - whether that meant food, a coat, blankets, socks or even a single cigarette. If Victor felt your need was great, he would give you the shoes off his feet.
Victor was a "man among men". He was a quiet and enduring presence that brought a sense of hope and comfort to those afflicted with various maladies and troubles. Victor was always the first to volunteer and the last to leave; he listened more than he spoke; and he had a true feeling of empathy for those who were suffering and in pain. Victor gave himself unselfishly to all in such a way that you were inspired by his humility, reverence, respect, cariing and compasion. Victor chose to serve his God by "loving his neighbor" in imitation of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Victor was not only an inspiration, but he was also a true and genuine embodiment of the Good.
Victor Mason leaves to mourn 6 siblings, numerous family members, countless friends and a plethora of unforgettable memories. He will be greatly missed. It was a blessing to have had Victor in our lives."
All members of the AJW family feel a deep sense of loss because of his passing, but feel confident that he is now watching over us in heaven. May he rest in peace. -
Celebrating our 25th Anniversary
On June 10, 1986, the supportive community for homeless and mentally ill persons, which some compassionate and forward thinking people had been slowly building, became At Jacob’s Well, Inc. Twenty-five years and one day later, some of those founders and many other friends and members of the At Jacob’s Well community came together at the Cathedral of the Incarnation to celebrate a quarter of a century of service. It was quite a party.
Sister Margo Thomas, a founding member of the At Jacob’s Well, along with the event committee consisting of Doreen Toran, Sue Adler, and Leslie Mallon, had prepared the hall to receive our guests. Baltimore Red Jones and Wayne Werner provided a terrific blues guitar and harmonica musical backdrop as the crowd began to assemble, nibbling on appetizers, sipping on wine and beer, and taking a good look at the excellent array of items placed out for the silent auction.
The crowd was an interesting mix. There were some old friends of At Jacob’s Well. There were some new friends. A group of residents and former residents was there. Of course, Board members came and brought their friends and family. All the AJW staff was there.