About

Founder

Matt Blair – CEO

Matt Blair – CEO

In 2016, Audra and I felt called to start our own nonprofit after years of working in the sector and seeing how powerful it is to connect people to practical resources. Our personal connection to this mission runs deep — my brother Scott serves as a Chicago police officer.


Our vision for The Well is to create a trusted, safe space for first responders and their families — a place on the northwest side of Chicago where they can access mental, relational, physical, and spiritual support. We hope to build a model that can be replicated in first responder communities across the country. More than a hotline, The Well is a community.


I’ve had the privilege of watching first responders and their families walk through our doors feeling broken and leave experiencing hope and healing. Their stories are heavy, but they are filled with resilience and the power of showing up for one another. That transformation is why we do what we do.



Contact Matt
Audra Blair – COO

Audra Blair – COO

In 2016, Audra was thrilled to join Matt in launching and growing The Well, bringing her skills and passion to the heart of its mission. In addition to overseeing operations, Audra also leads a Wednesday night community group for the spouses and partners of First Responders, creating a space for connection, encouragement, and care.

Every day at The Well I get a front row seat in seeing God show up and work in supernatural ways time and time again which has tremendously bolstered my own faith.

Contact Audra

Meet the Team

Cyrus Martinez – Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator

Cyrus Martinez – Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator

Cyrus Martinez was born and raised on the northwest side of Chicago and earned a BS in Finance and Management from the University of Illinois at Chicago. After graduating, he joined the Chicago Police Department, where he served for eight years, primarily working with tactical and gang units on the north and west sides of the city.

In December 2020, Cyrus transitioned to the Chicago Fire Department and is currently stationed in the Avondale neighborhood. Alongside his role as a firefighter, he continues to serve part-time as a law enforcement officer for a Chicago suburb, maintaining his commitment to public safety. With firsthand experience in both firefighting and policing, Cyrus understands the unique pressures and challenges that first responders face and is passionate about promoting mental health, emphasizing the importance of support systems, encouragement, and healthy outlets for stress relief.

Cyrus is dedicated to helping people achieve well-being through fitness, sports, and positive social interactions. Above all, he treasures his family and cherishes every moment spent with his wife and three daughters, along with other close family and friends.

Contact Cyrus
Robie Purohit- Director of Finance

Robie Purohit- Director of Finance

Robie Purohit grew up in the northwest suburbs of Chicago and graduated with an Accounting/Auditing degree from DePaul University. She has over 10 years of Accounting experience and is very excited to start this new chapter in her life.

Robie has known Matt and Audra for well over a decade. They both attended Branch Community Church and have all participated in several small group sessions. This connection led Robie to join Matt and Audra at The Well. Robie graduated from DePaul University with an Accounting/Auditing degree and has over 10 years of experience primarily in the government and private sector. She is very excited for this new chapter in her life.

When Robie is not working at The Well, you can catch Robie exploring new places and trying new foods with her husband Shaun, and their 2 kids Sophie and Nathan.

Contact Robie
Gosia- Yoga Instructor Volunteer

Gosia- Yoga Instructor Volunteer

Gosia has been a volunteer yoga instructor at The Well for over two years. Her passion and appreciation for our first responder community is evident as she gives her time weekly for a free hour yoga session for first responder families. Gosia is also a senior communications specialist and yoga instructor at Big Shoulders Yoga studio.

Jay- Roll Call Specialist Volunteer

Jay- Roll Call Specialist Volunteer

Jay has been involved with The Well for over a year now and serves at the 16th police district in Jefferson Park. Jay is a presence at weekly Roll Calls and loves connecting with people. Jay is the outreach pastor at Cityline Bible Church.

Board of Directors

Allen Lee

Allen Lee

Retired Chicago Police Lieutenant

Robert Hill

Robert Hill

Project Executive at The Hill Group

Paul Konrad

Paul Konrad

television weather anchor for WGN morning news

Hunter Clinton

Hunter Clinton

Owner/Operator at Chick-Fil-A Norridge

Brendan McCrudden

Brendan McCrudden

Retired Commander CPD

Our Mission

The Well's Core Purpose

The Well Resource Center exists to serve First Responders in Chicago’s Northwest Side along with their families to be “a place where people are with and for you.”

Our Vision

The Well Resource Center and it’s staff’s goal is to see transformation in our first responders and their families emotional, spiritual, relational and physical health by creating engaging, community-enriching, need-based environments.