The Haven Heartbeat

Staff Spotlight: Ariana Fountain

As Resident Manager at The Haven, Ariana walks closely alongside our residents as they work toward stability, healthy motherhood, and independent living. Since joining the team nearly a year ago, she has helped mothers identify their strengths, establish goals, navigate appointments, access resources, and prepare for life beyond The Haven. But according to Ariana, some of the most important work happens through relationships.

Before coming to The Haven, Ariana worked with single mothers in larger programs where the demands of a high caseload often limited the depth of support she could provide. What drew her to The Haven was the opportunity to invest more personally in each resident's journey.

"One of the best ways to help someone reach their goals is to truly get to know them," she shared. "We have structure, but we also tailor our program around each resident's needs, strengths, and goals. Building relationships is a huge part of that."

Through those relationships, Ariana has gained a deeper understanding of the impact trauma can have on a person's life. She notes that many of the young women who come to The Haven are carrying wounds from experiences that occurred long before they became mothers.

"The Haven is often the first place they've experienced healthy attachment and where their needs are truly seen and met," she explained. "Our work is about much more than parenting skills. It's also about helping them heal."

When asked what keeps her motivated through the challenging days, Ariana immediately pointed to both her faith and the support she finds among her coworkers.

"I don't know how people do this kind of work without Jesus or without other believers around them," she shared. "This work can be difficult, but we have a team that supports one another, encourages one another, and reminds each other why this work matters."

For Ariana, success is not always measured by dramatic transformations. Instead, she has learned to celebrate the small victories that often mark the beginning of lasting change.

One conversation with a resident has stayed with her. As they discussed an unhealthy relationship, Ariana asked whether the young woman believed she deserved to be treated with dignity and respect. The resident admitted she did not. After talking together, however, she acknowledged that she believed it a little more than when she first arrived.

"That may seem like a small step," Ariana reflected, "but it's a win. Sometimes growth begins with helping someone see their own value."

She also spoke about the importance of looking beyond immediate outcomes. While some residents may continue facing difficult circumstances after leaving The Haven, Ariana sees hope in the seeds that are planted during their time in the program.

"We're not just impacting moms; we're impacting generations," she said. Whether it's helping a mother recognize her worth, providing stability during pregnancy, or supporting an adoption plan that creates a brighter future for a child, she believes every act of care has lasting significance.

Outside of work, Ariana enjoys reading, singing, caring for her dogs, tending to houseplants, and spending time at home with her husband. Before entering the nonprofit ministry, she originally worked with children with special needs, a calling that helped cultivate the compassion and advocacy that continue to shape her work today.

When asked what gives her hope for the future of The Haven, Ariana's answer was immediate and simple:

"Jesus."

She believes that while the need remains great, every day at The Haven represents an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Whether a resident stays for eight months or only a few days, she knows that every moment of care matters and every life has value.

Finally, Ariana wants supporters to understand that their generosity reaches farther than they may realize.

"Even the smallest things matter," she said. "Whether it's purchasing an item from a baby registry, volunteering your time, or offering encouragement, you're helping our moms feel seen. Many of them have never experienced that kind of care before."

Through the faithful support of donors, volunteers, churches, community partners, and sponsors, lives are being touched in ways both large and small. As Ariana reminds us, those moments add up to something much greater: hope, healing, and the opportunity for a different future.

Community and Gratitude

A Community of Hope

This month, we were deeply encouraged by the many ways our community showed up in support of our moms and babies.

We are especially grateful to the volunteers from Victory Church who spent time beautifying The Haven property by planting flowers, refreshing landscaping, spreading pine straw, and helping paint the cottage. We are also thankful to Quail Hollow Nursery for providing an incredible discount on plants and flowers that helped make these improvements possible.

During May, 21 volunteers generously served a combined 61 hours supporting The Haven's mission. We were also blessed by the service of a Master of Social Work summer intern from Liberty University, who contributed more than 91 hours of support and learning experience with our team.

One particularly meaningful moment came as we reflected on the journey of a former resident whose child’s adoption was recently finalized. Witnessing a child thriving in a loving adoptive home served as a powerful reminder that every path; whether parenting or adoption, is rooted in courage, love, and hope.

Each act of generosity, whether through volunteering, prayer, encouragement, or practical support, helps create a community where our moms know they are seen, valued, and never alone.

Thank you for being part of that story.

Upcoming & Recent Events

Mother's Day Celebration Match: Because of You

Campaign Results

Raised: $18,357

Families Impacted: All Moms & Babies at The Haven

Thanks to: Donors, Churches, Volunteers & Community Partners