The purpose of Haven of Rest Ministries is to serve and glorify God through a Christ-centered outreach of love and compassion the responds to the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of disadvantaged men, women, and children without regard to their race, color, creed or social standing.
Eric Swatson, the new development assistant with a focus on social media at Haven of Rest, shared his journey to the mission and his faith. Growing up in Akron, he was aware of Haven of Rest but didn't fully understand their work until a friend, Landon, introduced him. A spontaneous conversation with Doctor Yvonne Brake led Eric to pursue a role in the development office, focusing on sharing the overarching perspective of Haven of Rest as a rescue mission rather than just a homeless shelter. Eric's social media strategy, currently in the strategizing phase, involves weekly themed content rotation. Eric accepted Christ in after a difficult period that included graduating high school, losing his Air Force eligibility, a breakup, and his father's death. What excites him most about Haven of Rest is its counter-cultural nature of selflessness, grace, and compassion and the opportunity to share the gospel with the disenfranchised and displaced. He asks listeners to pray that he can continue to honor the Lord, especially for the fruits of the Spirit.
The radio broadcast featured Jonathan Iaconas, the clothing coordinator at Haven of Rest, discussing the essential service the clothing department provides at the client service building. He highlighted that the department connects the generosity of the community to the practical needs of guests, helping to affirm their dignity by offering high-quality, organized clothing free of charge in a setting described as a department store. As the weather turns cold, the team is busy transitioning to fall and winter items like coats, jackets, hats, and new undergarments, with a particular ongoing need for men's pants in sizes 28-34. Donations are processed, sorted, and weighed (with about 60-70,000 lbs of clothes received monthly) by staff, volunteers, and community service workers, who also help provide household items for those moving out. Jonathan estimates the department handles around 1,000 appointments a month and asks for prayers for the team's health and the filling of open positions.
Haven of Rest food service manager, Jonell Muth, shared the substantial scope of the organization's food ministry, which prepares and serves about 300 to 400 meals daily to guests, including residents and community members. She highlighted the significant need for donations, noting that they use up to 900 small cans of vegetables for a single meal and need around 250 burgers for one meal. Key donation needs include canned goods (especially vegetables and fruits), snack items for work program lunches (such as chips, fruit cups, and individually wrapped snack cakes), coffee, instant oatmeal packets, and pastries for breakfast, as well as hot chocolate for the day rooms. Jonell emphasized the positive impact on guests, who often express gratitude and are blessed by the nutritious meals , and spoke about the "miracle" of God's provision, such as a recent donation of over 1,000 pounds of prepared food. The food service team is staffed by six full-time people and is supported by five to six volunteers daily. To help with donations or volunteer, listeners can call Jonell or the mission at 330-535-1563 and ask for the kitchen.
The Haven of Rest is holding an Open House on October 16th from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the main mission building, 175 E Market, where the last tour starts around 4:30 PM. This event welcomes the entire community, including agency and church leaders, for a transparent, 45-minute to hour-long tour of their facilities, which include the worship center, learning and career center, Harvest Home for women and children, and client service centers. The open house aims to provide a visual understanding of the work being done to transform lives and allows for open conversation and questions. Visitors can just show up—no appointment is required—and will be offered light refreshments, with accommodations like wheelchairs and staff assistance available for those with limited mobility. If a person is unable to attend, they can call 330−535−1563 to arrange a tour at a later time.
The radio broadcast features an interview with Billy, who shares his journey from a participant in the Conquerors program at Haven of Rest to a full-time employee on the ministry team. After completing the program and an internship, during which he served in the men's day room, defusing situations and bringing order to chaos by ministering grace and Christ's word to men in crisis, he was hired in June to work in the kitchen. Billy now sees his role in food service as ministry, where he is able to prepare meals with care and use the opportunity to speak with and listen to the Conquerors, fulfilling the mission's goal of serving both physical and spiritual food. He is focused on continuing to grow stronger and wiser, praying for guidance and strength as a vessel of God, and looking toward his future as a youth pastor.
Dan shared his testimony on the radio broadcast, detailing his successful transition from the Conquerors program to an eight-month intern program, and finally being hired as a full-time staff member in the Facilities Department on November 17th. He credits the intern program with teaching him patience and love for his fellow man and sees his current role—where he uses his previous expertise in electrical and plumbing—as God's path for him. Dan is thriving in the Christian atmosphere at Haven of Rest, where he enjoys the support of his co-workers and the entire staff, and he's rebuilding his life by getting his driver's license and finding a church family where he attends an amends Bible study. He asked listeners to pray for him as he plans to move out soon and for the salvation of his children.
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