Story perspectives

Fired Federal Workers Create Support Group, Gain 5,000 Members

3/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

Rebecca Ferguson-Ondrey and Drew Ruby-Howe were fired from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services amid cuts by the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency.
They formed WellFed, a support group for dismissed federal workers.
WellFed grew from 20 members to nearly 5,000 nationwide.
WellFed offers advocacy and more than 100 workshops on finances, resumes, and mental health.
About 25% of WellFed members have secured new jobs.

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Story summary

Rebecca Ferguson-Ondrey and Drew Ruby-Howe were fired from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services amid cuts by the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency.
They formed WellFed, a support group for dismissed federal workers.
WellFed grew from 20 members to nearly 5,000 nationwide.
WellFed offers advocacy and more than 100 workshops on finances, resumes, and mental health.
About 25% of WellFed members have secured new jobs.