HELP FOR AKRON’S HOMELESS AND HURTING COMES FROM HUDSON AREA COMMUNITIES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Akron, Ohio, United States of America (Free-Press-Release.com) October 19, 2011 -- Contact: Rose Rose
Phone: 330.535.1563
Fax: 330.535.8917
Email: rrose@havenofrest.org

Twinsburg, Ohio --- (October 18, 2011) --- Poverty is a continuing problem in Northeast Ohio, with over 26% of area residents living below the poverty level, according to U. S. Census Bureau figures. Poverty and homelessness are major issues that Haven of Rest Ministries addresses every day with the help of many supporters and volunteers from the community.

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HELP FOR AKRON’S HOMELESS AND HURTING COMES FROM HUDSON AREA COMMUNITIES

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Residents of the Northern Summit County area are actively reaching out to help Haven of Rest change lives – one person at a time. That is why on Tuesday, Haven of Rest celebrated its supporters from the Northern Summit County area and hosted a banquet at the Hilton Garden Inn in Twinsburg, OH. The banquet allowed Haven of Rest an opportunity to thank its faithful supporters and let them hear how lives are being changed at the ministry through the stories of those who have been helped.

“It is a great blessing to be able to let our supporters hear the stories of many whose lives have been restored,” said Haven of Rest Executive Director Reverend Jeff Kaiser. “The staff of Haven of Rest sees what happens to men, women and families every day, but many who make it possible don’t get the chance to hear first-hand what wonderful work God is doing.”

Sally Pickens was one of those who was able to share a personal story with the participants at the banquet. She related how alcoholism caused her mother to separate from her father. “When she left,” Pickens told the gathering, “She also left the number to Haven of Rest behind, telling my father to call the number when he was ready to get his life together.” Eventually her father called and Haven of Rest reached out to him and was able to help get his life back and track. This lead to Sally’s parents marriage being restored.

Kevin Ransbottom is a current resident at Haven of Rest. “After experiencing a long downward spiral in my life I remember hitting rock bottom,” Ransbottom told the crowd. “I was brought to Haven of Rest by my mother at the age of twenty. I not only found sobriety, but also direction for my life and hope for the future.” Kevin has recently been accepted to Emmaus Bible College and will start attending classes in January of 2012.

The banquet included a meal followed by a short program. Haven of Rest board president Mike Kura and Kaiser greeted the guests. There were also musical selections by the resident men’s chorus lead by Pastor Scott Campbell of Shoreline Community Church, and special guest soloist Bob Stoesser of Grace Bible Church.

Haven of Rest Ministries, Inc. was founded in Akron, Ohio, in 1943, as a Christian, social service organization providing emergency and residential care to the disadvantaged people of the community-at-large. Through its total person approach Haven of Rest provides a feeding program, emergency shelter, housing, resident rehabilitation programs, educational classes (including computer literacy, GED, parenting, AIDS awareness classes, etc.), career development assistance, after-care program, counseling, advocacy, clothing, and limited dental/medical care for over 500 men, women, and children daily. In 2010 Haven of Rest provided 263,117 meals and 62,190 nights of lodging. Haven of Rest is a stopgap for many of the families and homeless individuals who live in Summit County and surrounding areas by providing them a safe place to regroup and rebuild their lives.

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More information can be found online at http://www.havenofrest.org

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