Laid-Off Federal Workers Build a Lifeline Through WellFed Network

A year ago, Rebecca Ferguson-Ondrey and Drew Ruby-Howe lost their jobs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Within days of their abrupt dismissals, they launched WellFed, a support group for federal workers facing similar layoffs. The organisation has since grown from 20 members to nearly 5,000 nationwide.

The pair were among over 300,000 federal employees let go under the second Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Instead of stepping back, they turned their focus to helping others in the same situation. WellFed now offers workshops on financial planning, resume-building, and mental health support, both in person and online.

Over the past year, the group has hosted more than 100 sessions and lobbied on Capitol Hill for better protections for federal workers. Ferguson-Ondrey and Ruby-Howe see their advocacy as part of their own recovery, calling it a crucial step in moving forward. So far, about one in four WellFed members have secured new jobs since joining the network.

WellFed continues to expand, providing practical help to those affected by federal job cuts. The group's efforts have already led to measurable outcomes, with members finding work and accessing resources. For Ferguson-Ondrey and Ruby-Howe, supporting others remains a key part of their journey after losing their own positions.