Happy Anniversary Haven!!
One year ago, a door opened; and hope moved in.
On this day, we welcomed our very first resident into The Haven at Hebron.
It was not just the beginning of occupancy. It was the beginning of protection.
It was the first night a young mother laid her head down knowing she was safe.
The first tangible fulfillment of a vision that had been prayed over, planned for, and trusted to God for years.
That moment marked more than a milestone…it marked movement.
Since that first resident stepped through our doors:
- Nights of safe care have multiplied.
- Babies have been protected.
- Mothers have found stability.
- Faith has been proven faithful again.
What began as a single “yes”; a single intake, a single bed prepared, a single welcome has grown into a rhythm of care that continues today.
Behind that first move-in were countless acts of obedience:
~ Donors who gave sacrificially.
~ Volunteers who showed up faithfully.
~ Leaders who prayed boldly.
~ A community that believed young mothers deserve safety, dignity, and hope.
This anniversary reminds us that The Haven is not simply a house.
- It is a refuge.
- It is a turning point.
- It is a testimony.
One year ago, we opened our doors. And we have not stopped opening them since.
To every supporter who made that first move-in possible… thank you. Your generosity did more than fund a space.
It created a place where fear meets faith, crisis meets care, and uncertainty meets stability.
As we look ahead to the years to come, we do so with the same conviction that carried us through that first night:
When God builds something, He sustains it. And we are just getting started.
From Our Leadership
And I’m Off…
Dear Haven Family,
First, let me begin where it is most appropriate; with gratitude.
Danette, thank you. Your leadership, faithfulness, and heart for The Haven have left a lasting imprint on this ministry. I am stepping into a role that has been stewarded with integrity and deep love for both our moms and our donors. We are grateful that you continue to serve on the Board and remain part of the Haven family.
And now… I’m off.
As I close in on my first 90 days as Director of Development, I can say with confidence that God’s hand is clearly on this ministry. In this short month, and even with two full weekends impacted by weather shutdowns, The Haven has continued moving forward with steadiness and purpose.
That is a testimony not to perfect conditions, but to faithful support.
February has also given us meaningful reminders of why this work matters.
During Children’s Dental Health Month and Black History Month, we were reminded that caring for young mothers means caring for the whole child — health, wellness, dignity, and long-term stability. We recognize the strength and resilience of generations who overcame adversity; a legacy that inspires the courageous young women we serve today.
Even in a shorter month, impact continues:
- Moms are sleeping safely.
- Babies are protected.
- Care is consistent.
- Hope is growing.
In these first several weeks, I have focused on listening, learning, speaking with many of you, and strengthening the systems that allow us to steward every gift with excellence. I am encouraged not only by what The Haven does, but by how deeply our supporters care.
As we look toward spring, my commitment is:
To ensure every donor understands the measurable difference they are making and to help more people join this life-giving mission.
Thank you for welcoming me so warmly. Thank you for trusting this ministry. And thank you for standing for life, stability, and hope.
With gratitude,
Robert
Community and Gratitude
"SPOTLIGHT"
At The Haven, we are deeply grateful for the extraordinary care that Dr. Marty Mazzawi and the entire team at Mazzawi Family Dentistry provide to our residents. Their commitment to our moms goes far beyond routine dental care — they truly care for our women with compassion, professionalism, and generosity.
Good oral health is an essential part of prenatal care and has a lasting impact on both maternal and infant health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- Dental care is safe and important during pregnancy, and routine as well as emergency dental visits are encouraged at any stage of pregnancy.
- Pregnancy can make women more susceptible to gum disease (gingivitis) and cavities due to hormonal changes, which — if left untreated — can affect overall health and even influence childhood dental outcomes.
- Improving oral health during pregnancy can help set children up for a lifetime of good oral health.
- Women with high levels of cavity-causing bacteria are more likely to pass those bacteria to their baby, increasing the risk of early childhood cavities.
The CDC stresses that oral health is part of overall prenatal care, and having a trusted dental partner who understands the unique needs of pregnant women is invaluable.
Dr. Mazzawi and his family have gone above and beyond in serving our moms, offering not just excellent dental services but support and encouragement that truly make a difference in their lives. We are so grateful for this partnership and the care they consistently show our residents.
🙏 Thank you, Mazzawi Family Dentistry, for helping our moms smile — literally and figuratively!
Faith In Action
We were grateful this month to welcome Karen Botte and the team from St. Oliver’s Respect Life Ministry, a local parish group committed to building a culture that cherishes and supports life through prayer, outreach, and community engagement. Karen and her group stopped by The Haven with a thoughtful collection of donated items for our moms and babies, and we are so thankful for their generosity. We’ve included a photo of their visit in this newsletter to celebrate their support and to thank them publicly for partnering with us. Opportunities like this, where local ministries step in to walk alongside our families, lift our hearts and strengthen our community.
Ways To Support
Celebrating Our March Mamas
A 2-Week Gift Card Campaign | February 20 – March 7
March is a special and busy month at The Haven.
Not only are our current residents celebrating their own birthdays, they are also preparing to welcome their babies this upcoming month. Our “March Mamas” are stepping into one of the most meaningful seasons of their lives, and our staff is walking closely alongside them through every step.
Through a focused 2-week campaign (February 20–March 7), we are inviting you to help us make this season joyful.
At The Haven, we love to celebrate our residents with Birthday Gift Card Trees!! A simple but meaningful way to shower each mama with encouragement and practical support. These trees are filled with gift cards that allow her to choose what she needs most, whether for herself or her baby.
Because of limited storage space, gift cards are especially helpful and often substitute for physical donations. They allow our residents flexibility while preserving dignity. Retailers like those listed below are prioritized due to their ease of use and broad acceptance.
How You Can Help?
We are inviting you to help us build gift card trees for our March Mamas.
Suggested $50-100 gift cards:
Even a $25 gift card helps a young mother feel seen, valued, and celebrated during a season that can feel overwhelming.
Gift cards can be provided in three easy ways:
1) Send an E-Gift Card (some links above):
Utilize the following email address in your online order:
Lisa@thehaven.house
(Please include “March Mama Gift Card” in the subject line)
2) Mail a Physical Gift Card:
P.O. Box 604
Provide via e-gift card (some links above)
3) Arrange a Local Pickup
Email Lisa@thehaven.house to coordinate.
Campaign Ends March 7
This allows our team time to prepare each Gift Card Tree before birthday celebrations and due dates arrive. Thank you for helping us make March a month of celebration, dignity, and support.
Upcoming & Recent Events
We are grateful that our Haven mamas have begun attending Woven, the mom ministry of Rising Church in Buford. Woven is part of Rising MomCo and is designed to build community, encouragement, and spiritual support for moms in every stage of motherhood. Meeting once a month, our residents are welcomed into a warm, faith-filled environment where they can connect with other women, receive practical encouragement, and be reminded that they are not walking this season alone. Opportunities like this strengthen confidence, foster healthy relationships, and reinforce the supportive community surrounding our Haven families.
This season, our Mamas are taking part in Embrace Grace at 12Stone, a 12-week journey created specifically for women navigating an unexpected pregnancy. The group provides a Christ-centered space where moms can process their experiences, build confidence, and grow spiritually as they prepare for motherhood. Through honest conversation, encouragement, and the support of caring leaders, our Haven mamas are gaining reassurance and strength for the road ahead. We are thankful for churches like 12Stone that open their doors and walk alongside women with compassion and purpose.
Last week, our residents had the opportunity to attend the WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) Fair hosted at Centerville Public Health. The event provided valuable information and resources through Georgia’s WIC program, which supports pregnant women, new mothers, and young children with nutritional assistance, health screenings, and education. By participating in events like this, our residents gain access to practical tools that strengthen their health and their babies’ well-being. We are thankful for community health partners who help equip our moms with the resources they need for a strong and healthy start.