It was started in 1960 as a soup kitchen. But for most of its 60 years, Haven of Rest has embraced the call to be a long-term, Bible-based program for men and women with any life dominating problem.
With all of its services housed for many years on West Whitner Street in Anderson, Haven of Rest has expanded to include a men’s training center near Belton and long-term housing for women near downtown Anderson. The nonprofit also runs seven thrift stores in Anderson, Belton, Honea Path, Williamston and Hartwell GA, which provide about 35 percent of the organization’s funding.
“The sharp edge of our mission statement has been maintained through the years,” said Haven of Rest Director Eddie Capps. “We’ve dug our heels in many different times to stay pure to the mission statement. It’s awful easy to let mission creep start happening and to start trying to do other things. We’re so thankful for other organizations around us that are doing good things that allow us to do what we do best.”
Haven of Rest has made changes over the years, going from what Community Relations Director Sid Stewart calls “three hots and a cot” to a program that provides up to one year of free housing, meals and 24/7 support to help restore men and women to productive lives.
Stewart believes that the genius of the Haven of Rest program is its length.
“The longer they’re with us, the further away they get away from the drug or lifestyle, the more apt they are to stay away from it.”
The men’s and women’s programs at Haven of Rest consist of two phases. The first phase of the men’s program is a three- to six-month stay at the Whitner Street mission where they receive Bible teaching, mentorship, and learn how to serve and work. Upon completion of phase one, men go on to a nine-month, residential discipleship program at the training center near Belton. There they receive Bible teaching, mentorship, life skills training and prepare to go to school or into the workforce.
Phases of the women’s program are each six months in length. The yearlong program takes place in a nurturing, home environment where participants receive Bible teaching, mentorship, life skills training and prepare to attend school or go to work.
“Addiction is a long-term process but if you’ve got the right people around you and you’ve got a real good start, it can be overcome,” Capps said. “We’re really encouraged by the results we get to see.”
Haven of Rest maintains partnerships with Upstate employers that not only provide monetary support for the ministry, but also offer jobs to those graduating from the program.
“We’ve had really good partnerships with industries in our community that love to hire our folks – men and women,” Capps said. “Employers know what our folks have been doing for the past year, so that becomes a fairly good bet, and it tends to work out well for those who hire our folks.”
Monetary support for the ministry also comes from area churches and individuals, and events such as the 21st Annual Haven of Rest Golf Classic presented by World Insurance Associates LLC to be held May 28 at Southern Oaks Golf Course.
And while Haven of Rest has helped many across the Upstate, the program also is known across the country and welcomes participants from other states.
“When you’re long-term, faith-based and you don’t charge, that word gets around,” Capps said. “This is the community’s ministry, and we believe that, but it’s interesting that two men in Texas found us, for example, but sometimes people on the street in Anderson can’t find you. It depends on what you’re looking for.”
For more information, visit the Haven of Rest website.
