Missional Pathways

COMPASSION ACTION FOR HAITIANS
Contact: Bruce Hansen
Phone no: (863) 318-8886

CAFHI is a ministry working with the Haitian population in Winter Haven. They exist to provide English literacy classes, basic computer training, tutoring in citizenship and job interviewing, as well as advocacy for this community of people. CAFHI teaches basic reading skills to adults using a Bible-based curriculum. They are starting a new "school" year in August, and are in need of teachers, helpers, tutors, etc. The classes are held on Tuesday & Thursday nights.

MEALS ON WHEELS
Contact: Toni Fegers
Phone: (863) 299-1616

Meals on Wheels provides low cost meals five days a week to shut-ins, both the elderly and those who simply cannot drive to the grocery store. Opportunities include: working in the kitchen preparing meals every morning (approx 6 am- 10 am); drivers for the various routes in and around Winter Haven (approx 11 am- 2 pm); they also have a thrift store located behind their main facility which is open Wed- Sat from 8 am - 2 pm.

LifeChoice PREGNANCY RESOURCE CENTER
Contact: Shirley Healy
Phone: (863) 293-0955

The LifeChoice Pregnancy Resource Center (previously the Community Pregnancy Center) is a ministry located on Central Avenue that offers pregnancy tests, counseling, education, and resources for women considering abortion or who are simply frightened and need a caring presence. It is a gospel-centered ministry that seeks to build relationships with women so that, through the relationship, the gospel can be shared. More information will be forthcoming regarding how Redeemer plans to partner with this great work already being done in our city.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Contact: B.J. (volunteer coordinator)
Phone: (863) 292-2256

Habitat for Humanity really needs no introduction. This is a non-profit organization that screens needy families who are without a home. Their mission statement says they are "committed to building safe, decent and affordable houses in partnership with churches, businesses, and God's people in East Polk County. The organization depends upon workers for their building sites, which may include landscaping, painting, or roofing. From time to time, they need help with stuffing and mailing newsletters. Currently, they have 1 lot in Winter Haven and two in Haines City. They are also working on rehabilitating a home that they built and was sold back to them. They have several applicants who have been approved for homes, but are waiting on clearance from the city and county, as well as clearing the legalities, to begin constructing new homes for these families. The two days available right now for teams are either Thursday or Saturday. Habitat has a policy that no one under the age of 18 is allowed on an "active" job site. They also are asking that teams be no more than 10 workers.

THE MISSION
Contact: David Berry
Phone: (863) 299-2348
The Mission is located on Central Avenue in Winter Haven. They are a non-profit ministry that seeks to meet various needs and provide various services to the poor and homeless in the city. The Mission serves breakfast and lunch, including a devotion time everyday from 11-11.30AM. They have laundry facilities, shower facilities, and even a barber shop. In addition, there is a food bank where free groceries are provided during the week. The need for workers is ever present. Opportunities to serve range from preparing and serving meals, to manning the food bank to simply sitting at a table with a homeless person and getting to know them and expressing the love of Jesus to them.

THE SALVATION ARMY
Contact: Dee Dee Woodhead
Phone: (863) 291-5107

The Winter Haven Corps Social Services division has several ministries going on. They serve a free meal to the community every day at lunch. But there is also a shelter on site. They only house women and children. There would be an openness to having some women come to the shelter and help in any way they see a need. DeeDee also mentioned churches doing food drives (there is a food bank on site as well). According to DeeDee, the women they serve who are mothers seem to be more motivated to find a job, if they are unemployed, or seek a home of their own, if possible. They have seen more of a cyclical tendency with the single women - some come and go, others come and stay, but don't seem very motivated to better themselves.

DeeDee also mentioned a shift that has occurred in their philosophy over the thirty years she has worked in Social Services. Empowering those in poverty requires them to be more focused on one person at a time, rather than serving large groups. The shelter on site allows for this, as there is a case worker to monitor the women and help steer them toward job training, subsidized housing, and many other resources.