Havenwood offers support to families in crisis

Debbie Martin

■ Mission: Our mission is to develop and empower single mothers to achieve self-sufficiency by providing safe housing, a network of support and life skills training.

■ Services provided: Havenwood provides a wide range of services including housing, case management, counseling and a connection to area resources. We work with individuals within areas such as health and wellness, family

dynamics and growth, job skills and career planning, financial literacy and leadership and empowerment. We offer a variety of classes including parenting, cooking, budgeting, stages of change, boundaries and other relationship oriented classes.

■ Service area: We serve all of Northwest Arkansas but the majority of our services are in Benton County with our office and housing opportunities in Bentonville.

■ Average number of people served annually: We are currently serving 40 families a year.

How is your organization’s mission unique?

Our mission is unique in the fact that we serve both families at Havenwood but also out in the community. Through a small grant that we have received, we are able to identify families who are homeless and assist them in receiving housing and resources through case management.

Why do you work for a nonprofit organization? Do you have a personal connection to the mission? If so, what is it?

I have worked for nonprofits for the last 20 years. Twenty-four years ago, I was a single mother with a newborn baby. While I had a career with great benefits and a strong support system, it was still a very hard time in my life. I understand that without the support that I did have, I could have needed a program just like Havenwood. Experiencing that time in my life gives me an understanding as to what these girls are going through. I get it and I can help.

What part of your job fills the most of your time?

Most of my time is filled with meeting with collaborative partners in the community that also serve those in need of housing and resources. Our community partners help us to extend our reach and to provide better services for our families.

What have you learned on the job that you didn’t expect?

I am constantly reminded that we should not take what we have for granted. Crisis is not specific to any one population or to any one socio-economic group. We never fully know what someone else is experiencing so it is important not to judge or make assumptions. I’ve learned to look at people through a different lens. Through this lens … I don’t just see circumstances but rather I see people and I think about how I can make their day just a little better.

What challenges face your organization?

As with many other organizations, the challenges we face are multifaceted. We always need more revenue to serve the families that we do. It takes money for operating costs, salaries and the programming that we provide to our families. We always need donations such as toilet paper, shampoo, cleaning supplies, towels, furniture etc. Basically the necessities needed to stock apartments and to provide the things that the families need to go about their day.

Are there volunteer opportunities in your organization? What are they?

Our Journey Gala is coming up on Feb. 24, and we need volunteers for that. We also have volunteer opportunities inside of Havenwood throughout the year — for individuals or for groups.

Martin