A MINISTRY…

A MINISTRY USED BY GOD TO TOUCH AND TRANSFORM THE LIVES OF HOMELESS AND HURTING PEOPLE 

Founded in 1943 as a small storefront rescue mission, Haven of Rest is the largest private social service agencies in the Summit-Portage-Medina-Stark-Tuscarawas-Wayne-Holmes Counties area. 

Since then we have filled a vital community need by providing Christ-centered programs and services that respond to the physical, spiritual and emotional needs of hurting men, women and children. 

Haven of Rest’s doors are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. There is never a charge, and no credentials are required. Help is available to anyone regardless of race, color, creed or social standing. 

We neither seek nor receive financial assistance from any government agency. The vast majority of our support comes from individuals; the balance comes from churches, foundations, businesses, schools and other groups and organizations. We have always adhered to a strict code of financial accountability, ethics and reporting. The major portion of every dollar entrusted to us goes directly into programs and services. 

On behalf of our staff and employees and the men and women who serve without remuneration on our Board of Trustees, I invite you to visit Haven of Rest so that you can see for yourself all that we are doing to bring hope and help to those who have so little and hurt so much.

Sincerely

Rev. Ben W. Walker
Executive Director

PROVIDING…

PROVIDING FOOD, SHELTER AND CLOTHING FOR NEEDY AND HOMELESS MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN 

Every day in our community hundreds of people face the prospect of going hungry. Hunger is not just a problem for the homeless; it also touches the lives of individuals and families whose income is so low that they must often make a decision between putting food on the table or paying their rent and utility bills. 

To help in the fight against hunger, Haven of Rest annually provides thousands of free meals. Because much of the food used in meal preparation is donated, the cost of these meals is only $1.92 each. Hence, even a small financial contribution will feed several hungry people. 

Each year, Haven of Rest also provides thousands of nights of free lodging for homeless men, women and children. In addition, its men and women’s day rooms afford safe daytime shelter for hundreds of homeless men and women, offering them a variety of services such as laundry, showers, and mail pickup as well as the opportunity to meet with staff and other social workers to discuss and work out specific problems. 

In Haven of Rest’s clothing distribution center, hundreds of new and used apparel items are given to needy families and individuals each month.

CHRIST-CENTERED…

CHRIST-CENTERED REHABILITATION PROGRAMS TO HELP REBUILD TROUBLED AND SHATTERED LIVES  

Though its residential programs, Haven of Rest provides men and women the opportunity to overcome problems, like drug and alcohol addiction, that have rendered them homeless, jobless and often disaffiliated from family, friends and society in general. 

Those wishing to enter the Rescue Mission program for men or the Harvest Home program for women must show a sincere desire to better themselves. 

Once accepted on the program, they will spend anywhere from three months to a year in a Christ-centered, highly structured, and goal-oriented environment designed to give them a future that overshadows their troubled past. 

Residential program activities include regular work assignments, daily life application Bible studies, and living skills. In addition, all residents are required to complete a series of computer-enhanced courses that will make them more employable. A career development phase of the resident program helps participants acquire proper job-seeking skills, find meaningful employment, and hold a job once they obtain one. 

Former residents have the option of taking part in an Aftercare program that provides encouragement and counsel to help them keep their newly-established lives on track.

MAKING LIFE BRIGHTER…

MAKING LIFE BRIGHTER FOR THOSE WHO HAVE SO LITTLE AND HURT SO MUCH 

Though a number of special activities, Haven of Rest reaches out to brighten and better the lives of those living at or below the poverty level in the inner city.
An annual summer picnic brings together hundreds of low-income families and individuals for a time of food, fun and games. 

The Mission’s traditional Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter dinners are eagerly anticipated by many who would otherwise spend these special times hungry and alone. 

At Christmas time, inner city children are invited to participate in a Happy Birthday Jesus Party. It is an exciting experience for the hundreds of youngsters who attend the event with its presentation of the true Christmas story and distribution of gifts. 

Every summer Haven of Rest conducts its Hope Basketball Camp for inner city boys and girls in grades three through eight. Under the guidance of a dedicated staff, all of which model Christ-centered lifestyles, the young campers learn both the fundamentals of basketball and Biblical principles for living. 

A SPECIAL PLACE…

A SPECIAL PLACE IN OUR HEART FOR HOMELESS CHILDREN

Each year at Christmas and Easter, Haven of Rest distributes hundreds of personal care bags to needy and homeless people.

Homelessness is never easy, but for children it is always an even more difficult experience. For youngsters coming with their mothers to Haven of Rest’s Harvest Home, every effort is made to ease the pain, fear and anxiety that go with being homeless.
Whether their stay is for a few days or several months, children find themselves in a warm, family-like atmosphere where love abounds. It is a totally new experience for most of them.

Lots of hugs, smiles and reassuring words coupled with regular meals, clean clothes and a safe, warm bed work wonders in their fragile young lives. So does letting them know they’re important to God and that He is always watching over them.

A variety of activities are planned by Harvest Home’s child advocate to brighten the lives of homeless boys and girls who so often miss out on the fun things that ought to be a part of every childhood. While it may be something as simple as a trip to McDonald’s or an Easter egg hunt, it’s a big event in the life of a little boy or girl! 

WOMEN’S AUXILIARY…

WOMEN’S AUXILIARY HAS PLAYED AN IMPORTANT SUPPORT ROLE AT HAVEN OF REST SINCE 1944  

The Women’s Auxiliary of Haven of Rest Ministries first met on November 4, 1944. Its purpose, as declared at that initial meeting, is to assist Haven of Rest in meeting needs for which there is no other provision. 

Over the years, members have joyously invested their time, talents and financial resources in a variety of worthwhile projects.  

Their endeavors have included the purchase of kitchen equipment, a fire/security alarm for Harvest Home, a new sound system for the auditorium, linens for the dormitories, new chairs for the chapel, a new copy machine for the administrative offices, and a lap top computer, projector and color printer for the development department. In addition, the Auxiliary has made significant contributions to each of Haven of Rest’s capital campaigns. 

The Auxiliary meets at the mission on the first Tuesday of each month unless a holiday interferes. Then the meeting is held on the second Tuesday. The gift shop opens at 10:00 a.m. and lunch is served promptly at noon with a business meeting and program following. No reservations are required and all women are invited to attend. 


THREE WAYS…

THREE WAYS YOU CAN GET INVOLVED IN HAVEN OF REST’S MINISTRY TO NEEDY AND HOMELESS PEOPLE   

There are three important ways you can become involved in the work of Haven of Rest Ministries. 

First, as a prayer partner. Set aside time each day to pray for Haven of Rest. We’ll be happy to send you our Powerline Prayer Calendar that gives you a specific prayer request for each day. 

Second, discover the joy of being a Haven of Rest volunteer. We are always in need of people who will donate their skills and energy to help with a wide variety of tasks that need to be accomplished every day. 

Third, support Haven of Rest financially. It is gifts from individuals like yourself that enable us to maintain our outreach to hungry, hurting and forgotten people.