Building a Safe Harbor
Join Hope Haven in its three-year quest to raise $700,000 to fund the purchase of land and construction of a completely accessible, four-bedroom, 2,500 square foot respite home to be located near the premises of Hope Haven's main facility on Newton Bridge Road in Athens. Respite services provide families with a temporary reprieve from the constant care a family member with disability requires.
Join us on a voyage to construct a safe harbor for those who need a respite from caring for their loved ones with developmental disabilities."
- Mike Walker, Hope Haven Executive Director
Members of Hope Haven's board of directors, staff, constituent family members, and local citizens comprise a capital campaign committee that has formed to spearhead the effort. Fundraisers, events, organized giving programs, and more will benefit Hope Haven.
In addition, a portion of the capital campaign proceeds will go toward making improvements to Hope Haven's main facility. Built in 1997, the center houses administrative offices along with a 12,000 square foot work center where Hope Haven constituents engage in contract work, job training, physical fitness programs, socialization, and other activities during the day.
Hope Haven's respite home operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week and serves individuals over the age of three with a primary diagnosis of mental retardation who reside in a 10-county service area including Barrow, Clarke, Elbert, Greene, Jackson, Madison, Morgan, Oconee, Oglethorpe, and Walton Counties. The respite home serves Hope Haven constituents as well as individuals who attend other facilities or stay at home.
"An unexpected family emergency put our family in desperate need of care for our son. Hope Haven's respite home answered our prayers and allowed us to properly handle our family situation while our son received excellent care." ~Sherry Woodruff, mother of a respite constituent
Hope Haven's current respite home is located at 1160 Whit Davis Road in Athens.
The respite home employs a staff of 11- 10 direct care givers, and a director.
The four-bedroom duplex can accommodate up to four individuals at a time, with one room reserved for emergencies.
Visits range from overnight to a maximum of two weeks.
Each person is allowed up to 30 days at the respite home per year.
The home serves an average of 30 people per month and nearly 100 individuals per year.