Harvest Home Celebrates 29 Years of Serving Women and Children

" I had no hope at all when I came here but things are different now. My new life in Christ has begun, and it's filled with hope."

" It doesn't feel like a shelter at all. You know you are safe and everyone here makes you feel so loved."

"I have learned that God has forgiven me for all my sins and I don't have to live with the guilt anymore."

"...Give God a chance. He can change your life."

"Harvest Home does feel like a real home. The people here care about me and love me."

"We (my children and I) will always praise the Lord for a place called Harvest Home and we will pray for the mothers and children currently staying there."

"... the staff did not judge me or look down on me because I was homeless."

Certificate of Excellence
Haven of Rest was awarded the “Certification of Excellence” from the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions during its convention in Dallas,Texas in May.

Haven of Rest earned the award, which is given to rescue missions who demonstrate an ability to operate their programs and services, development and business operations at a level that is considered to be exceptionally good.

To earn the rating, Haven of Rest had to undergo an onsite visit by an AGRM consultant to demonstrate that its buildings were free of health and safety risks, as well as submit to an examination of its financial practices, governing structure, internal controls and planning, in order to substantiate that its operations are in compliance with local and AGRM regulations and that Haven of Rest is positioned to maintain current standards and ensure future successes.

Rev. Rex Whiteman, Executive Director of the Union Mission of Charleston, West Virginia, conducted the inspection and examination of Haven of Rest, and made the recommendation to the Association that Haven of Rest be awarded the excellence rating.

On Tuesday, June 17, 2008 Chick-fil-A Restaurant on Howe Road sponsored a canned food drive benefiting Haven of Rest Ministries. Staff members manned the Chick-fil-A booth from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. collecting canned goods. Individuals donating two cans of food received a coupon for a free chicken sandwich or box of chicken nuggets. Thanks to the many people who donated food or gave a cash gift the campaign was a great success with 945 pounds of canned good items collected nearly $700 in cash donations. These gifts will help provide meals to poor and homeless men, women and children. Thank-you Chick-fil-A and everyone who supported this campaign!

Women of Compassion Tea
The third annual “Women of Compassion Tea” was held at the beautiful Akron Women’s City Club on Tuesday, June 10, 2008 from 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. One hundred and fifty women attended this year’s event, which represents a 100% increase over last year. The women gathered in the ballroom to hear a moving testimony from Melissa Hargrove, a young woman staying at the mission who credits Harvest Home with “saving her life”. Yvette McMillian, director of the women’s division, spoke about the many programs and services provided on a daily basis to scores of women and children. Music was provided by soloist Wendy Ligas from Ellet Grace Brethren Church. Yvonne Brake, director of development at the mission, shared with the women the need for renovations at Harvest Home and encouraged them to become involved in the 2008 “Making a Difference” project, which will help provide the renovation of 10 Harvest Home rooms. Each gift will make a real difference in the life of a homeless mother or child staying at the mission.

After the program the women convened to one of three dining rooms for delicious finger sandwiches, desserts, fruit, and an assortment of teas. So far, more than $8,200 has been raised toward this project!

African American Pastors and Wives Dinner
On Thursday, June 5, 2008, at 5:30 p.m., a special dinner, for African American Pastors and their wives, was hosted here at Haven of Rest Ministries.
After a delicious meal of baked chicken, mixed vegetables and rice, the evening continued with a program in the main chapel where staff members shared about the many programs and services offered to the hurting people in the community we serve. Jason Hubbard shared his testimony with the group and Lee Moss from Macedonia Baptist Church shared his experiences as a Haven of Rest volunteer.
After the program they were invited to tour the ministry.

 

Community Picnic
Haven of Rest held its Annual Community Picnic on Wednesday, June 25th, in Grace Park. Community services such as the Fire Safety House, Akron Police, Sheriff’s Department talking PT Cruiser, Red Cross and many more were available to help parents with questions and information.

Over 500 people attended this picnic and enjoyed hot dogs, baked beans, ice cream, cotton candy, popcorn, along with the inflatable rides, face painting, balloons, games and prizes. These are just some of the many activities the children enjoyed.

A heartfelt thank-you to Cargill Salt for their generous donation that helps us provide this outreach to the community and their employees from the Akron plant that volunteered their services.
 

Listen Every Sunday to the Haven of Rest Radio Broadcast with Curt & Eileen Thomas
WNIR 100.1 FM, 7:30 A.M.
WAKR 1590 AM 7:30 A.M.
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