Janie is one of the six ladies at Protected Harbor’s first house. When you first visit the home, you won’t be surprised if Janie wants to show you her room. Her love for animals ever-present has an electronic cat that purrs and reacts to her touching it. Janie loves “Snuggles” very much and loves to introduce her to every visitor.

Janie is part of the wonderful community of women who live at Protected Harbor, which provides a caring and nurturing environment in a loving, Christian home.  The ladies work together to help out in the household.  Together they plan dinner with the staff, including checking for recipe ingredients, shopping for needed items, and preparing the meals.  Janie recently made a 3-bean salad and chicken in the crockpot for everyone to enjoy.

Other volunteer activities that Janie engages in are the prayer shawl ministry at McGregor Baptist Church and the Church Prayer team.  Because of Janie’s love of prayer, she was invited to join the prayer team to pray for the Sunday services and she is regarded as the Prayer Warrior of the group.

Janie is an avid exerciser and uses the elliptical trainer in the home’s workout room every day.  She also loves to knit and crochet and takes pleasure in presenting staff and visitors with her handmade gifts.

We are so grateful that the ladies have this home to provide them with opportunities for community fellowship and an environment that allows them to deepen their relationships with each other and God. Please pray that these ladies continue to be blessed in a home where they feel loved, respected, and needed, and where they can grow spiritually and emotionally.

This month we would like to thank Becky Lemon for all that she does for Protected Harbor and its residents. Becky Lemon was recently one of our key speakers at our 9^th Annual Prayer Breakfast where she spoke to supporters about God’s place at Protected Harbor and its residents. Everyone in attendance was drawn to the way she spoke about the residents because her love and compassion for them was clearly evident.

Perhaps the most amazing part about Becky is the fact that she attributes all of the success of the organization and the residents’ progress to the Lord. She knows that she is a “piece of the puzzle” that God has placed her in and she states that she is doing what she feels God wants her to do while at Protected Harbor. She and her husband Michael work together to teach the residents the word of God, independence, and living skills. They also help the residents grow as individuals by teaching them how to ask God for what they need, taking them to activities, and getting them involved in vocational workshops.

Becky came to Protected Harbor this year with her husband Michael Lemon when they got the call from God to serve at Protected Harbor with the residents. Her work is appreciated and we thank God every day for calling her and Michael to Protected Harbor.

Please pray for Becky’s continued success at Protected Harbor to serve God and the residents. Pray for her and Michael’s happiness and health as they continue on their Protected Harbor journey.

Thank you, Becky, and God Bless!

Protected Harbor’s 9^th Annual Prayer Breakfast was quite a success! With the Lord’s presence evident, attendees joined together in prayer to support God’s Protected Harbor. The breakfast was in a room at Kensington Country Club that had massive windows overlooking acres of greenery. Perhaps the most amazing portion of the event was the evidence of the presence of God in the room. Everyone in attendance seemed to have a peacefulness within them as the sun shined through the wall-length glass windows, making it evident that God had his hands on every speaker and person in the room.

Attendees were welcomed by Jeff Buchholz, Protected Harbor’s incoming Board President. Rev. John Anderson then led the opening prayer, thanking God for bringing everyone together to support Protected Harbor. Following Rev. Anderson’s prayer, attendees enjoyed a wonderful spread of fresh fruit, eggs, bacon, potatoes, and homemade apple fritters!

At the closing of the delicious meal, Protected Harbor’s support staff member, Becky Lemon, shared something special about each one of the residents – her favorite experiences with the residents, their favorite activities, and their favorite things to do together. It allowed everyone in attendance to understand why the Lord had brought them all together. A short video allowed attendees to put faces to the names of our beloved residents.

Everyone was moved by the singing performance from Bria Bare, a professionally trained vocalist who was called by God to specialize in worship music. Her performance set the tone for Rev. Melissa Pearce to take the stage. While Rev. Pearce began to discuss how Protected Harbor is one “piece” of the larger puzzle, she began to recall certain moments she had with the residents. She shared one special moment that stood out to her from her visit to the Protected Harbor Ladies Home. Rev. Pearce shared with Janie how much she liked the crocheted blanket on her bed. Janie eagerly told her that she had made it herself and asked Rev. Pearce to tell her what colors she liked best and that she’d make one for her, too. Recalling this memory brought tears to Rev. Pearce and most in the audience. At the end of Rev. Pearce’s emotional sermon, Bria Bare sang another beautiful worship song. Pastor Kevin Taylor of First Baptist Church of Naples concluded the event with a moving closing prayer.

First, we would like to thank God for being with all of those in attendance at the event and for assisting Protected Harbor every step of the way. We would also like to thank everyone who took the time out of their day to join us in worship, helping to raise funds for Protected Harbor. Special thanks to Jeff Buchholz, Rev. John Anderson, Becky Lemon, Bria Bare, Rev. Melissa Pearce, and Pastor Kevin Taylor for the special role that they played. Finally, we would like to thank the wonderful staff of the Kensington Country Club.

With such a successful event, we are now motivated more than ever to grow as an organization. We would be very grateful if you would join us in our mission. We know that everyone has their own Protected Harbor puzzle piece and we pray that you will find yours.

For more information, please call us at 239-278-0200 or like us on Facebook!

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Thoughts on the verse:

This verse from the Bible is one of the most repeated verses of our time. Believers turn to this verse when they are going through challenging times and they cannot seem to see God’s purpose through their challenges. They turn to this verse when they need relief and hope. All too often we pray to God and ask Him to make our situation better, not knowing if it is part of His ultimate plan for us. While contemplating this verse it is important to think about the future and God’s ultimate purpose, and trust Him. If you pray for something and do not receive it, it is not because God is not listening. It may be because what you are praying for does not align with the purpose God has in store for you or the people around you at this time. With that being said, God will not put you in situations that are too tough to bear. Remember, He is growing you into the person He can use for his overall purpose. And He promises you a future. At Protected Harbor, we have a family that sticks together through the good and the bad. Each of our supporters play a crucial role in achieving the purpose that God has granted to Protected Harbor. Join us at our Prayer Breakfast on November 12^th to hear an inspiring message from Reverend Melissa Pearce on identifying your special place in God’s bold plan.

Our Prayer:

Dear Lord, we thank you for everything that you put into our lives. We know that everything that is presented to us is serving a purpose in our life that is ultimately lived to fulfill your higher purpose. We ask that you provide strength and peace to those going through a challenging time of growth in their lives. We pray that you assist all of us at Protected Harbor to advance your purpose that you have for our mission.

This month we are highlighting Board Member Tanya Croy for her dedication to the mission of Protected Harbor. Tanya has had a love for people with developmental disabilities since her early twenties. This love transcended through her many years of teaching middle school in Naples, Florida. She has made a point to be actively involved in causes that have missions aligning with that of Protected Harbor.

Tanya had always remained educated about causes supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. Having heard about the development and growth of Protected Harbor for years, when the invitation to join the Protected Harbor board arose, she did not hesitate to get involved. Tanya is an active member of the Board of Directors and holds a position on the Fundraising Committee where she assists with the fundraising and expansion efforts so that Protected Harbor may grow in the future. Tanya is loved by the residents as she makes it a point to visit the houses and remind the residents how much their Board loves them. Seeing the quality of the group homes and support staff, the joy of the residents and knowing the Lord is sought and glorified in everything Protected Harbor does, has made her service as a Board Member a treasured blessing every day

Please keep Tanya and the rest of the Board in your prayers so that they may guide Protected Harbor in the direction given to them by the Lord.

Thank you for your service, Tanya.

This month we would like to feature our warm and caring resident, Cleo. Her energy and positive spirit resonate with everyone who enters the doors at Protected Harbor. She is one of Protected Harbor’s very first residents. We have been blessed since the day that she decided to make Protected Harbor her home.

Cleo and all of the women have grown extremely close. Often times, they join together as a team to make dinner together. As the residents make dinner they usually talk, sing, and joke around. “What do you call a silent dog?” Ashley asks. “I know,” exclaims Cleo, “A hush puppy!” Being in attendance at a Protected Harbor dinner it is evident that God’s love is present throughout the home.

Three days of the week Cleo, Tiffany, and Kimber all attend a program called “Pathways to Opportunity” at Goodwill in Fort Myers. At the program, the women attend group classes that are based on the participant’s needs and interests. Some courses they have taken include money management, relationship building, computer skills, and performance arts.

Cleo’s favorite class is drawing. “I like to draw a lot of different things,” she explains. Cleo loves the color purple, chocolate, and spending time with the other ladies and the Protected Harbor support staff.

Cleo and the women also look forward to going on outings in the community. One of Cleo’s favorite activities is going out to eat with her housemates. All of the residents get a chance to select the restaurant. She will usually select Wendy’s! Two more of her favorite activities with the women are going to the movies and attending plays.

We are so grateful that the ladies have this home that allows them to express their unique gifts, talents, and interests. Please join us in praising God for this home which provides them with love, care, and an environment that glorifies God. Pray with us for Cleo, that she may continue to grow and flourish each day that she is with Protected Harbor.

Protected Harbor invites you to our annual Prayer Breakfast. Help us celebrate the residents who live in our group homes for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The event will be held Tuesday, November 12, 2019, from 7:30-9:00 a.m. at the Kensington Country Club. The event will feature Reverend Melissa Pearce of Enduring Hope Ministries. She is a dynamic spiritual leader and a woman after God’s heart. She will share a spirit-filled motivational message that is guaranteed to leave you encouraged and inspired. “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10

Tickets are $40 per person. Or you can purchase a table of 8 for $320 or a table of 10 for $400. Purchase your tickets today!

Click Here Or contact Pat Milford at (239) 597-4514.

If you are unable to attend, the event and you wish to donate? Click Here. 

“You do not have because you do not ask God.” James 4:2b (NIV)

Thoughts on the verse:

Much of our life is a series of needs. As humans living on Earth we have needs that must be met, such as food, shelter, and love. Because these are the basic standards of life, most people feel entitled to these things. At Protected Harbor, we are blessed by God to see that not all of these needs are automatically granted to every person. We find that many people are actually in need of one or all of these things. We believe that our residents and support staff were guided to the Protected Harbor houses when they began praying to God for their needs. God answered their prayers and led them to our doors. The stories of our residents are synonymous with all of God’s children. If you do not turn to God to ask for the things that you need, then you may not receive them. If you turn your faith to God, He will provide for you.

Our prayer:

Dear Lord, we thank you for everything that you provide us with in our lives. We know that we owe everything in our lives to you and for that we are grateful. We ask that you provide for the people around us with food, shelter, and love. Dear Lord, we ask that you assist us at Protected Harbor and inspire more people to support our mission. We pray to you that no person will lack the fundamentals that are necessary for a basic human life, so that they may serve you to the best of their ability. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

One of our residents celebrated her birthday on August 21^st. Crystal celebrated her milestone 30^th birthday in the company of her Protected Harbor family. Ken, happily said, “This has been a week-long celebration, and she deserves it. Crystal always lights up the room with her magnetic smile and contagious laugh, and it was only fitting that her birthday was treated as the celebration that it should be!”

The birthday week ended with a celebration at the Protected Harbor II house where she was gifted pink shoes (to match her pink bowling bowl) and a pink bowling bag! She was especially excited about this gift because her bowling league starts at the end of the month.

Crystal was beaming with joy as everyone gathered around her to celebrate her milestone birthday. She also emphasized that she was very thankful that God brought her to her Protected Harbor family!

Join us in wishing our special resident Crystal a very happy birthday! Please add Crystal to your prayers for another healthy year ahead.

All of our residents have so many amazing qualities and interesting characteristics. At Protected Harbor, we love how our residents to get to know each other as family. As supporters of Protected Harbor, you are all part of the family God has created as well. Therefore, each month we will be highlighting one of our Protected Harbor residents and sharing interesting facts about each of them.

This month we are highlighting Kimber. When asked where she was born she replied, “Well technically I wasn’t born in the United States. I was born in South Korea. I moved here when I was two years old.  Kimber was adopted when she was two by a couple that raised her to be the strong independent woman that she is today. Kimber said, “Without my parents, I would not be the woman that I am today.”

Here are some interesting facts about Kimber’s home country:

• Population: 51 million
• Capital: Seoul with 10 million inhabitants
• More than 95% of the population can read and write.
• More restaurants, including McDonald’s, will deliver food directly to your home
• In South Korea, babies are considered one-year-old at birth
• South Korea’s national dish is Kimchi (which happens to be Kimber’s favorite food!)

Because Kimber moved to the United States when she was so young, she does not have a recollection as to what South Korea was like. Although Kimber does not necessarily remember the details of her life there, she is very proud of her Korean heritage. She even has a large Korean flag hanging in her bedroom. She also recently took a DNA test to learn more about her heritage and the results showed that she was 97% Korean/Chinese and 3% Japanese.

Please join us in praying for Kimber’s continued success with Protected Harbor.

Which resident will we learn more about next month? Stay tuned!