Harvest Home Happenings!
By Lucy Hackett
Haven of Rest Ministries proudly helps single women, mothers, and their children at our Harvest Home where multiple programs and activities are implemented by our staff and volunteers. Ladies have to face many issues in today’s society and we are used by the Lord to help them overcome.
The Harvest Home is the entry point for ladies seeking services at the Haven of Rest. We offer emergency shelter, snacks and three meals daily, clothing, case management, referrals for counseling, evening devotions, chapel service, daily Bible studies, recovery classes, and nutrition classes.
Women who come in an emergency situation find a variety of essential services available to them, including laundry and showers. In addition, there are conference rooms where they can meet privately with Haven of Rest staff or other social service agency workers to discuss problems and needs. Classroom space is also provided for life skills training, Bible Studies, group meetings, and tutoring for children.
Right now, through our Future Story program, women have the ability to take 3 different sewing classes and learn a few basic job skills like customer service. We are currently working on revising the program so that, in addition to the option of sewing, women will also have the opportunity to learn skills like writing a resume, financial literacy, customer service, and even proper hygiene. We are also working with outside sources like a fair trade shop called “My Sister’s Place” for apprenticeship opportunities and Stark State for STNA courses. These revisions to the program will open up so many opportunities for the women we serve that they didn’t have before.
We work with volunteer groups throughout the year to hold events such as the Spa Tea for the women and children to enjoy. These events are especially wonderful as women are pampered with makeovers, facials, manicures and pedicures, haircuts and styling, and tea with delicious food. They enjoy a time of worship and fellowship with volunteers while their children are in child care.
Children are ministered to with love, care, and attention in our Nurture Center at Harvest Home by our full-time Child Advocate, her assistant, and volunteers. Child care, after-school activities, tutoring, summer activities, field trips, birthday celebrations, and more are provided for the children.
Thanks to our staff and volunteers, those who come are welcomed into a warm, family-like atmosphere where Christ is shown daily. After efforts are made to meet women and children’s immediate needs, programs and services are offered to allow them to make positive changes in their lives. If you or someone you know would like to volunteer in the Women’s Division, please call Volunteer Coordinator Jan Pluck at 330-535-1563 or email her at jpluck@havenofrest.org. Volunteer applications are available online at https://havenofrest.org/get-involved/volunteer/
