Akron Life April 2023

HAVEN OF REST MINISTRIES

MIRACLES & MILESTONES

1943 Haven of Rest was founded on faith by the Rev. Charles C. Thomas and Marjorie Ruth Thomas in a small storefront on North Howard Street.

AFTER DECADES OF CHANGES, ONE THING REMAINS CONSTANT AT HAVEN OF REST: OUR UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO SERVE AND GLORIFY GOD THROUGH CHRIST

1952 Ground was broken for a new building with a clinic for those dealing with alcohol abuse on East Buchtel Avenue. 1974 Construction of a modern, more functional Rescue Mission was completed. 1976 Founder, Rev. Charles C. Thomas died and was succeeded by his son, the Rev. Curtis Thomas. 1979 An increase in homelessness created a need for a separate facility for women and children and our Marjorie Ruth Thomas Harvest Home was opened. 1989 Additions to Harvest Home were made and completed—increasing our capacity by 50 percent. 1995

CENTERED OUTREACH.

Client Services Center opened to meet the growing need for comprehensive programs for men and women. 1996

Marjorie Ruth Thomas died at 88 a ! er 33 years helping thousands of men, women and children in need.

2003 A ! er 90 combined years of service, Rev. Curtis Thomas and his wife, Eileen, retired and Rev. Ben Walker began as Executive Director. 2011 The Rev. Je " rey A. Kaiser began his service as CEO.

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havenofrest.org | APRIL 2023