I originally went into this project with the plan to follow a local organization that dealt with unwanted pregnancies, STD's, unprepared soon-to-be parents, adoption verses abortion issues, etc. however, I had difficulty getting information as well as relating it to my international organization. Long story short, I decided to blog about an organization who's site we could walk to from class, one that I have already directly interacted with and observed firsthand; an organization filled with loving people directly bringing change and inciting hope in the lives of many, specifically the homeless and troubled in Akron, Ohio.
http://www.havenofrest.org/site.cfm/Programs-Services/Womens-Childrens-Division.cfm
Located on East Market in downtown Akron, is the largest private social service organization in North-eastern Ohio and is "widely recognized for its work among poor, homeless, and spiritually destitute people. Its doors are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year" and there are approximately 85 full and part-time employees who handle day-to-day activities, along with more than 600 volunteers who perform various tasks like food preparation, washing dishes, babysitting, leading Bible studies, etc. all of which is overseen by a 19-member Board of Trustees.
Haven of Rest operates independent from government agencies or any financial assistance from the United Way; in 2006-2007, 85.2% of its support came from individuals. The remainder of funds was provided by bequests, foundations, churches, and the corporate community. Haven of Rest holds firmly to its commitment to Christian principles which it was founded upon by Rev. and Mrs. Charles C. Thomas.
"Their burden for the poor, the homeless, and the spiritually destitute led them to establish a rescue mission in a tiny storeroom at 41 North Howard Street in Akron, with just 40 people. ... To help fight against hunger, Haven of Rest Ministries prepares and serves thousands of free meals each year; in 2007 that number totaled 284,085."
When the Haven of Rest began in 1943 as a ministry for homeless, providing food, chapel services, and lodging for those in need, its operating budget was $35/month. It has since tremendously expanded and now operates with a budget of over $7 million annually. "The majority of all funds received goes into programs and services. In 2006-2007 that amounted to 75.2% of every dollar."
Also, most of the food is donated and the average cost for Haven of Rest is $1.92 per meal.
The programs offered by the Haven of Rest include providing food, shelter, drug rehabilitation, safety, and hope to those in need.
The Marjorie Ruth Thomas Harvest Home for women and children was constructed in 1979, in response to the growing need for an emergency shelter for women and children in crisis situations. It can accommodate up to 52 women and children and referrals general come from agencies, hospitals, churches, and the court system.
Some stay for weeks or months, and some stay for only a night; the average stay at the Harvest Home is around three months.
The residents vary from abandoned single mothers, to runaway teenagers, to young women struggling with drug addictions.
Harvest Home employs a full-time child advocate to help children cope with issues and staff also works directly with the women to help meet their physical needs, as well as assist them in steps towards improving their futures.
Residents are provided with emergency shelter for approximately three to six months, three meals and two snacks a day, clothing and household items, career development programs, computer literacy/GED, random drug and alcohol screening, group and individual therapy for chemically dependent women through Community Health Center, health issues taught by medical professionals, nutrition classes, case management, Sunday chapel services, child care during classes, Bible studies, tutoring for children, after school program, summer kids programs and field trips, expressive art therapy.
The residents are monitored by a supervisor, and a night supervisor is present every night. They oversee the daily schedule, as routine is important as a means to encourage responsibility for the mothers, and also for the children to feel a sense of normalcy and routine.
The Women's Day Room provides women with the ability to begin rehabilitation process that will lead to the stabilization and reestablishment of their lives. They have access to laundry, showers, mail pick-up, counseling, etc. as well as access to the Learning Center which houses the Education Department and Career Development Department. All enrolled in the residential rehabilitation programs are required to spend two hours a day, four days a week in the Learning Clinic. "The objective is that they will achieve the following minimum goals:
1. Reading at eight grade level (2 levels above the national norm)
2. Writing at eight grade level
3. Mastering math skills through pre-algebra level
4. Obtaining a high school or general education diploma
5. Mastering MS or DOS computer operations
6. Becoming employable
Residents also receive assistance in developing a long-range plan for their career advancement."
This organization is unlike most that I have encountered in the past. It stands out and functions separate from the government, which allows them to decide and direct the ways they provide services and the restrictions they place on the recipients of these services. For example, it is "required" for men and women to attend a chapel service before being served the evening meal. When I asked what happens if individuals show up after or during chapel, and if they are still served, I was told they never turn people away.
As far as the residential program goes, there are guidelines to follow and potential residents are required to read over the guidelines and sign a written agreement to abide by these standards during their stay. Also, whenever women show up at the door of the Harvest Home, they are required to take a drug test. If they don't pass the drug test, they are not turned away, rather told that in order to stay, they must make serious efforts towards remaining clean and kicking these habits. If they are repeatedly failing drug tests, they are reminded of their agreements and may be asked to leave.
I have seen people's negative reactions to the structure of Haven of Rest, and how the "rules" and guidelines that have been established and maintained over the years. Many people disagree with making chapel a requirement, yet it IS a faith based organization. The entire ministry is centralized around a Christian worldview and it is important not only to provide those in need with tangible items, but so much more so to provide them with spiritual guidance and reveal the true source behind the services that are offered to them. The Haven of Rest shows people that they are important, restores their dignity, and loves them through the difficult times of life.
In the words of Mother Teresa,
"Being unwanted,
unloved, uncared for,
forgotten by everybody,
I think that is a much greater hunger,
a much greater poverty
than the person who has nothing to eat."
(this, along with more Mother Teresa quotes can be found at: http://home.att.net/~hillcrestbaptist/mt.html )
*all information on Haven of Rest was either directly from the Haven of Rest webpage, or from a print-out of their history, provided to me by the volunteer coordinator, Jan Pluck.
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