Haven Ministries Hosts Harvest For Hope Online Auction

Haven Ministries Hosts Harvest For Hope Online Auction

Haven Ministries Hosts Harvest for Hope Online Auction

Haven Ministries has announced it will be hosting a Harvest of Hope Online Auction between November 12 and November 14 to benefit its essential services. Participants will be able to purchase one-of-a-kind art, jewelry, accessories, dining options, indoor and outdoor experiences like wine tastings and spa treatments, and sports memorabilia.

There is something for everyone in the online auction with items ranging in price from $30 to $1000. Special items include sporting clay lessons for two at The Point at Pintail, a half-day light tackle or fly fishing experience with up to three anglers on the Chesapeake Bay with Anglers Connection Guide Services, Raven’s sports swag, and a romantic get-a-way for two at the Kent Manor Inn and diamond stud earrings from TNT Jewelers. Proceeds from the Harvest of Hope event will provide HOPE through shelter, food, clothing, and support to area residents.

According to Taryn Chase, Haven Ministries Business and Marketing Development Director, “This event is in response to the cancellation this year of both our Best Girlfriend Night Out and Beef, Bonfires and Cigars annual events. Both were extremely important to funding the services we provide, which have continued to grow during the pandemic.”

“The community has stepped up to help us meet this increased demand for services. We are especially appreciative of the generosity of our business partners and local businesses.”

The Harvest of Hope Auction Preview opens November 1. Participants can register online at Haven-Ministries.org. Winning auction items can be picked up after the auction by contacting Taryn Chase at 410-490-0925.

Love shapes the ministry, love transforms people, and hope prevails at Haven Ministries.  Haven Ministries operates a seasonal Homeless Shelter, a Resource Center and Food Pantry at 206 Del Rhodes Avenue in Queenstown, Our Daily Thread Thrift Store in Stevensville, Hope Warehouse in Queenstown, and a Resource Center at Fisher Manor.

Pictured left to right are Isabelle Lomax from TNT Jewelers with Taryn Chase, Haven Ministries Business and Marketing Development Director. TNT Jewelers has donated diamond stud earrings to Haven Ministries Harvest of Hope Silent Auction scheduled for November 12 to 14.

2020 Shore Update Best Of

2020 Shore Update Best Of

2020 Shore Update Best Of

Front Line Hero

By Marcus Hoffman

Krista Pettit, founder of Haven Ministries, honored as our front line hero.

For the last several years, Haven Ministries has served an important role in our community-helping those going through economic hardship. Whether it be getting food on

the table for a hungry family or giving someone without a home a safe place to sleep, Haven Ministries provides an invaluable service to Queen Anne’s County.

The pandemic and subsequent lockdown only accentuates Haven Ministries’ importance.

Many lost their jobs and were forced to deal with a backed up unemployment system and

suddenly had to turn to Haven Ministries for help. Even some who didn’t experience financial hardship had to turn to Haven Ministries during the brief food shortage. Because of everything Haven Ministries has done for Queen Anne’s County during COVID, we think they embody the essence of #Shorestrong. I got to speak with Krista Pettit, the founder of Haven Ministries, to learn a little more about the organization’s origins, how they adapted to best serve the community during the pandemic and the role faith plays in what Haven Ministries does.

What led to you starting Haven Ministries?

Many years ago, my family and I personally experienced financial hardship. In order to make ends meet, we had to accept help from our family including our church family. As difficult

as that was, I experienced the power of the church in walking alongside those facing difficult times and that changed my life forever. During this timeframe at a church worship service, I heard God call to me, telling me to start a homeless shelter. After ignoring this command for some time, the burden to start a shelter became overwhelming. One day I cried out to God and

asked him how I was to start a shelter, and He replied – “call the churches.” I started calling the area churches who affirmed that they were indeed interested in joining the efforts of helping the homeless. I quickly scheduled a meeting, and Haven Ministries was born.

How has COVID changed how Haven Ministries does things? Has the transition been difficult?

Haven Ministries’ essential services have remained open throughout the pandemic. In order to meet HUD and CDC recommendations, we have had to totally reconfigure how we distribute services – which has led to drive-thru food pantries, completing applications for financial assistance by phone, and relocating the shelter to a hotel. To meet the increased need for food, Haven Ministries opened a head- quarters with a food pantry that is open five days a week for

consistent, efficient and dignified food distribution. We were also invited into Sudlersville to serve in an area experiencing high food insecurity.  The homeless shelter which usually closes the end of April, has remained open throughout the year to meet the need in this extraordinary time. To date, 32 people have been served at the shelter hotel since March. The greatest change I have seen is the difficulty of raising funds when all of our spring, summer and fall fundraisers have been canceled due to health and safety issues. Trying to raise all funds virtually is quite a challenge.

Have you witnessed something you thought was particularly outstanding that someone else did to help bring our community together?

I have witnessed the community agencies come together through the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and other collaborations to tackle COVID related issues in Queen Anne’s County. It has been amazing to watch how we all come together to meet the challenges of this unique time in history. There are so many public servants and volunteers who, out of love and concern for others, do amazing things.

Can you share a story that particularly touched your heart while you were serving our community during COVID?

A young man came to one of our food distribution events after recently losing his job due to the COVID crisis. He couldn’t believe he was there; he said he never saw himself having to accept this kind of help. Although it was humbling, he shared that he was very grateful to be able to bring food home to his family. It is just one story, but it has been told over and over again this past year by different folks. It reminds me how important it is for the community to help those in need, but also to treat them with dignity and respect.

How has COVID affected you personally?

I think I have been too busy to reflect on it! Many years ago, I began starting each day early in the morning with a time of prayer and reading of scripture. This discipline helps me start each day prepared for whatever will come my way. This private time with God reminds me that He is in control, and I can trust Him. Because of this, I have not been personally worried during this time, but it has been difficult to watch the challenges facing my children (and other young people in our community). My daughter had the difficult decision of returning to school with the real possibility of being sent home early. My son missed out on many of his senior year activities

and now he is at boot camp to become a Marine… and we may not be able to watch him graduate. So while I am at peace, I am also saddened by this particular time we live in. I grieve for all who are hurting and who have lost so much. But I also have hope, because I know greater days are ahead. Haven Ministries is more important now than ever, and we think they truly embody what it means to be Shore Strong. As Krista said, raising funds during a pandemic is difficult and If you would like to help support Haven Ministries, you can go to www.haven-ministries.org to find the many ways that you can help.

HAVEN MINISTRIES was also recognized as an

‘Organization that Makes Our Community a Better Place’

‘Organization Exemplifying #ShoreStrong During COVID’

‘Volunteers with the Biggest Hearts’

They help others who are less fortunate in our community… They are dedicated to helping those in need… They bring volunteers together to help those in our community who are most in need…

OUR DAILY THREAD was also recognized as an

‘Organization that Makes Our Community a Better Place’

“Our Daily Thread is a great community service and wonderful place to shop and find deals.”

A Tuesday Morning Pick-Me-Up!

A Tuesday Morning Pick-Me-Up!

A Tuesday Morning Pick-Me-Up!

Krista Pettit – October 2020

I recently received an email from Jennifer Hall, Program Specialist & SHIP/SMP Coordinator at QAC Area Agency on Aging sharing the success story of a client.

She sent a “Tuesday morning pick up” and an example of how the organizations in Queen Anne’s County work together and what an impact these services can have on someone’s life.

Jennifer Hall and Cindy Boone, QAC Area Agency on Aging, worked with a gentleman, “Mr. Bill” over the last year.  “Mr. Bill” has a long history of ‘homelessness and hopelessness’ that he has allowed us to share.  They are happy to report that “he is now successfully housed, compliant with mental health therapy, and receiving all benefits he is entitled to.”  Jennifer says “To say that this makes me feel so happy is an understatement.  To see the joy in a client’s eyes where there was nothing but hopelessness at one point is overwhelming.  We all play such a significant role in helping people on a daily basis.”  “This gentleman is a true QAC Community Services and Haven Ministries success story!!!!!”

Our own Case Manager & Director of Operations, Sandi Wiscott, also worked with “Mr. Bill” as a client for 5 years. He has used the resources provided by Haven Ministries; The Emergency Winter Shelter, Daily Thread Thrift Store, Emergency Food Pantry and the resource center to overcome his financial and health hardships.  Sandi is happy to let us know that “Mr. Bill” has been able to stabilize his situation with permanent housing and is overjoyed to have recently received a vehicle generously donated by Robert Wade of Maid Healthy, which will make life tremendously better for him!

In a year of uncertainty, we are so grateful for the kindness and compassion given to our clients. “Mr. Bill” is both humbled and grateful for all the assistance he has received from everyone!

Pictured:
Jenifer Hall, “Mr. Bill” and Cindi Boone with a car donated by Robert Wade of Maid Healthy

 

Spunkwear Donates a Portion of Mask Sales to Haven Ministries

Spunkwear Donates a Portion of Mask Sales to Haven Ministries

Spunkwear Donates a Portion of Mask Sales to Haven Ministries

Spunkwear, a local apparel company based on Kent Island, had to pivot its business last spring with the arrival of COVID-19. Sheilah Ruppert, the founder of Spunkwear, got creative and designed a new line of facemasks that are lightweight, offering breathability and comfort, but which are also fun and stylish. 

“When we turned our attention to making masks, I decided that we’d donate a portion of sales to Haven Ministries. I’ve always been impressed with the uplifting work they do and the dignified manner in which they serve our community” states Ruppert.

Over the summer, the sales of Spunkwear’s masks for men, women, and children, as well as neck gaiters, took off. The company gained recognition regionally and nationally and was even featured on the television show, “The View,” this past July. To date, Spunkwear has donated $18,490 to Haven Ministries.

Since March, Haven Ministries has seen an increased need for its programs and services throughout Queen Anne’s County. The Shelter has remained open throughout 2020 serving 52 people, including 12 children.  Over 3500 people in Queen Anne’s County have received 81,516 pounds of food and Haven Ministries has provided over $23,000 of financial assistance to its neighbors. As the winter months near, the organization is hoping that other local businesses will step up as business partners as Spunkwear has done.

“We can’t begin to thank Spunkwear for their generous support during this time. As we move into the fall and winter months, we will have a continued need for funds to support shelter, food, clothing, and resources for those challenged by COVID.  As residents of Queen Anne’s County continue to struggle with finding affordable housing, we will also require funds for housing assistance,” comments Krista Pettit, Executive Director of Haven Ministries.

For further information about donating or becoming a Business Partner of Haven Ministries, visit haven-ministries.org or call Krista Pettit at 410-739-4363.

Love shapes the ministry, love transforms people, and hope prevails at Haven Ministries.  Haven Ministries operates a seasonal Homeless Shelter, a Resource Center and Food Pantry at 206 Del Rhodes Avenue in Queenstown, Our Daily Thread Thrift Store in Stevensville, Hope Warehouse in Queenstown, and a Resource Center at Fisher Manor.

Pictured left to right are Krista Pettit, Executive Director of Haven Ministries, receiving a check from Sheilah Ruppert owner of Spunkwear, a local apparel company based on Kent Island. To date, Spunkwear has donated $18,490 to Haven Ministries from the sale of its new line of facemasks.