Molly! Our Heart of Jesus Mascot! playing w/ Jazzi

Oh yeah, this bed is comfy! Where are you sleeping?

As a therapist and minister, I have seen a large gap of services needed for those who have suffered by the hands of others. After much thought, wise counsel and prayer, the development of The Heart of Jesus Ministries is finally in its toddler stages. We are a non-denominational religious organization interested in providing services to those lost through the cracks of existing social and spiritual organizations. It is an organization that will provide longer term transitional housing assistance for victims of rape, incest, stalking, domestic violence, as well as past physical & emotional abuse suffered as children. There will be in house programming to address the spiritual, emotional and social scars associated with the effects of violence.

Our goals for programming will also include:

1.) The training of rescued animals as therapy animals available to those in need.
2.) A spiritual retreat for those who are not in need of specialized transitional housing but may need occasional regrouping time.
3.) The publication of literature and games to assist in healing from abuse, both spiritual and non spriitual.
4.) Job training and placement for adult survivors of Childhood Abuse/ Domestic violence.
5.) Community Outreach Program for past survivors.

Our current programs include: A program for the rescue of abused animals and an outreach program for clients for social support and skills learning.

The program for abused animals consists of a 1-2 year recovery period followed by an intense training program to become a therapy animal. Your donation would help with housing, food, or vet care for one of the animals currently in our care. A full time volunteer lives with and cares for the animals in a family type environment, they are not in cages or small kennels, other than for training purposes. They have a big outdoor play area that is confined to approx 500 sq ft. We are working towards expanding that and adding an animal gym to help the neurologically damaged animals as well as help train the animals. During their recovery time they learn to play, get along with other animals, learn house rules and become physically and emotionally healthy. Once the training program has been completed and the animal has passed their test they are adopted out by therapists or others interested in using therapy animals to assist others. The adoption process is complex and thourough to ensure the well being of the animals once they leave the ministry.

Some parts of the Outreach Program are running and some are still being developed. We are currently setting up sewing classes, knitting and crocheting classes, cooking classes (including nutritional information),. We are involved in a landscaping program geared toward helping elderly and handicapped completed by clients while learing landscaping skills and an art programs, as well as social support and counseling.

We also have a very talents board of directors who make a variety of items including, afghans, dog clothes, blankets, and quilts to help in raising funds. Check out our current listings and please be sure to check out our plant fundraiser which runs from April to August.