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!

Protected Harbor would like to announce the re-launch of the “Prayer Alliance Newsletter.” As an organization, we want to ensure that God, residents, supporters, and staff all remain connected. The “Prayer Alliance Newsletter” allows for every individual involved with Protected Harbor to remain updated with Prayer Requests and news related to the progress of our mission from God. Almost twenty years after conceptualizing the mission of Protected Harbor, by the grace of God, we have formed a strong group of supporters.

We pray that we remain close to one another and God, and adhere to the mission we have all been called to serve.  The re-launch of the “Prayer Alliance Newsletter” will remind our supporters how Protected Harbor started and the progress that we have made thus far. From an idea to reality, Protected Harbor is now the home to eleven amazing individuals who praise God every day. The purpose of Protected Harbor is to provide a safe haven for God’s special people. We ensure that every resident God entrusts us with is nurtured by loving house parents and each other, and is able to reach their full potential.

The population of adults living with developmental disabilities in the state of Florida exceeds 300,000. 76% of these individuals live with a family caregiver. Of these, about a third are living with a family caregiver over the age of 60 years old. Thus, over 78,000 people with developmental disabilities will soon need a home and someone to care for them.  Many of the parents of children with developmental disabilities live with the fear of what may happen to their children after they pass on.

Protected Harbor’s mission is to provide a solution for this growing need. These parents should not have to worry if their children will be cared for after they pass on.  The goal of the organization is to glorify God by raising funds that will pay for the construction, operation, and on-going maintenance of group homes for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We believe that each resident has been entrusted to our care by God. We believe that this work is ministry that we have been called upon to do.

We provide nurturing care in loving Christian homes so that the residents may reach their full potential in life. Our goal is to encourage personal growth, both spiritually and emotionally. We accomplish this by providing full-time residential care, independent living skills instruction, vocational opportunities, ongoing education, and a variety of social activities.

After many years of fundraising by the Board of Directors, our first home was built in 2010. It is now home to six amazing women; Kim, Kimber, Tiffany, Ashley, Janie, and Cleo. The Protected Harbor house is now what these women refer to as “home”, and they consider each other family.

In November 2017, Protected Harbor opened the doors to its second home. The second house is where Dennis, Jake, Crystal, Matthew, and Deb live. The new home is proving to have the same result as the first, with the residents becoming family very quickly.

With your generous support we will be able to open more of these homes.  Our Prayer Partners and the Will of God can make it possible for every one of God’s special people to live with “family” in a warm safe home, as do our current residents at Protected Harbor.

We pray that we remain close to one another and to God, and that we continue to fulfill the mission we have all been called to serve. From all of us at Protected Harbor, we THANK YOU for being a Prayer Partner!

*This event has passed

Protected Harbor is having their annual Prayer Breakfast Thursday, November 1, 2018 at 7am. Click here to get your tickets!