Changing Lives
Albert's Story
"I came to Joshua's Haven to turn my life around. I grew up in Sharon and had jobs, but when my drinking took over, I found myself living in a garage and knew I didn't want that anymore. I went to rehab and when I came to Joshua's Haven I began to do painting here at mission, handy man jobs, putting in a garden and now I have a part time job and most importantly I am sober.
I was raised in church, and now my faith has gotten much stronger and I thank God for his help everyday. I am so grateful for what they have done here to help me. There's a lot of love here."
Steve's Story
Steve came to us after broken relationships at home he found himself with nowhere to go – except the streets. Living in his parents home was no longer an option. He had no job, no income, no way to sustain himself, with a lot of hurt emotion in his heart he was desperate and needed to get back on his feet.
He came to Joshua’s Haven and was given a warm bed, meals and an environment that cared about him. Within a short time in our Exodus Back to Work Program he completed resumes and job searches. Steve got involved in other programs and began to serve with the food pantry and at our front desk.
Steve learned to be diligent in his job search and not give up. Steve accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior. His heart began to have hope. He did what was expected of him everyday. He got his job and faithfully went to work everyday and was able to move out on his own and grow in his own independence.
In a letter, Steve writes...
“Thank you for everything. Feeding me, clothing me, encouraging me and even correcting me when I needed it. Your programs helped me grow spiritually and as an individual. I believe God has put me here at Joshua’s Haven and now it is time for me to go and continue on my journey. This time, with God, I have confidence. Thank you all at Joshua’s Haven for believing in me, when I didn’t believe in myself.”
Ronald's Story
Ronald came to Joshua’s Haven from rehab. After years of alcohol abuse it had taken its toll on him. Addiction had destroyed his marriage, lost all his jobs and had taken the lives of 3 of his siblings. He was determined to not end up the same way. He wanted to live and try to change his destructive habits.
Ron came with a cane and unsteady, he began walking in the hallway every day, multiple times…and got stronger. He began bible studies and case management and emotionally and spiritually became stronger. Ron joined the Back to Work Program and got a job cooking which he loved because his past experience included a culinary degree and wanted to return to that kind of job. Today he is still living at Joshua’s Haven and recently got employed through Senior employment program assigned to Joshuas Haven and is preparing meals here in our kitchen.
He is so proud to say that he and another resident just made the whole Thanksgiving meal for 20 people this past week. Ron often says “He takes one day at a time and he does the best he can each and every day.”
Brenda's Story
A woman named Brenda came because she was homeless. She didn’t know what to do. We served her with meals and a hotel for two days. I brought her to the mission with me. She shared that she had been in an abusive relationship and wanted out but had nowhere to go.
Brenda felt hopeless and alone. We prayed with her and she accepted Christ as her Savior. Brenda wanted to return to the Butler area where she grew up, and we were able to give her bus transportation home.
In her own words, she writes...
“It is hard to put into words how much I appreciate all that was done for me from you and your staff. The staff made me feel welcome at a bad time in my life and told me it was going to be okay. God blessed me by putting you in my life and without you and your staff I would have given up on life. God was watching over me and set me on the right path through you Mrs Swetz. Thank you so very much.”
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Make a Contribution: Your monetary donation to Joshua's Haven City Mission is crucial to fund daily operations, services, and programs.
Donate a Meal: Sign up for one day each month to prepare and donate a meal to the Mission. It can be a pot of soup or stew, spaghetti and meatballs, or a casserole dish.
Donate Necessities: Joshua's Haven City Mission is always in need of consumables like laundry soap, cleaning products, paper towels, and more. Visit our donation page for a complete list of items.