Celebrating 80 Years

HAVEN OF REST MINISTRIES

80 Years of Haven The CEO recalls the past and present.

to grow as a women’s shelter that became essential for the Akron area. In 1979, the Marjorie Ruth Thomas Harvest Home was opened. The need for more space for expand ing programs and services was evident so the Haven of Rest purchased the Sanginiti’s Restaurant and land across the street from the Mission. This made it possible for us to open the Client Services Center in 1995 where emer gency shelter was provided for men needing help. The programs and services that are o ! ered through the ministry continue to evolve, while allowing individuals opportunities to transform their lives as they hear the Gospel message of faith, hope and love. Collaborating with other agencies in our community, which is vital, gives our guests the best opportu nity to get a fresh start in life. Thriving in ministry in the Akron com munity for 80 years, we have become a woven piece of fabric in our area where we helped thousands of men, women and children begin anew by ministering to their physical, emotional, educa tional and spiritual needs. We are so grateful for the gracious group of volunteers, prayer partners, financial supporters, businesses, foundations, corporations and all donors who support us in this important rescue ministry. I want to thank you and hope you enjoy this supplement to Akron Life magazine regarding the history of the Haven of Rest. We are excited to see what God will do in the future as we continue to serve in Akron and beyond! In Christ’s Name, REV. JEFFREY A. KAISER CEO

MEN'S MINISTRY

Haven of Rest Men's Ministry is a program within the larger Haven of Rest Ministry organiza tion that specifically serves men who are struggling with addic tion, homelessness and other life challenges. The program is designed to provide men with a safe and supportive environ ment where they can receive the help and resources they need to overcome their struggles and lead fulfilling lives. The Men's Ministry program o ! ers a variety of services, including addiction recovery programs, emergency shelter, transitional housing, food assistance and career development. The program also provides spiritual guidance and support to help men find hope and purpose in their lives. The addiction recovery programs at Haven of Rest are designed to help men and women overcome their addiction to drugs or alcohol through a combination of coun seling, support groups and other therapeutic services. The program also includes job training and life skills classes to help build a strong foundation for their future success. The goal of Haven of Rest Men's Ministry is to empower clients to break the cycle of addiction and homelessness, and to help them achieve a better life for themselves and their families.

Eighty years ago Haven of Rest Ministries’ doors opened at 41 N. Howard St. Rev. C.C. Thomas and his wife, Marjorie Ruth, answered God’s pro found call on their lives to serve those in need. During that time in 1943, much was going on in our world including the Great Depression, World War II and the beginning of the Cold War. In the midst of all that, Akron’s Christ centered ministry began. As I research through Haven of Rest’s history, I can see how God directed and led the ministry over the years. Because of growing needs, the Mission moved to a larger building on Buchtel Avenue. Then the Mission moved again in 1974 to its current location at 175 E. Market St. The ministry continued

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APRIL 2023 | havenofrest.org