PLEASE MAKE ANY CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE ADDRESS ABOVE.
ALL CONTRIBUTIONS ARE TAX-DEDUCTABLE
"To console those who mourn in Zion to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy
for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord,
that He may be glorified." Isaiah 6:1
COVENANT HOUSE, a home for women and children in crisis began in September 1993 from a vision
that the Lord had given to Edith Wegner several years before. A large home and
acerage was bought on the outskirts of Mena, Arkansas and after some basic renovations
and furniture building projects, opened with residents. All basic household bills
were and continue to be graciously taken care of by donations and fund raisers
from the local community and churches.
Edith, her mother and father and son were the sole workers in Covenant House for several years with others in the
community volunteering at needed times. Lou Hughes had volunteered from the beginning and was finally hired on as
their first paid employee in 1995. This was accomplished through grants that were
awarded to the home. Lou's job description ranges anywhere from maintenance to rape prevention advocacy speaker.
Edith's mother, Evelyn, takes care of bookeeping and correspondence for the home.
Her father, Bob has taken care of all maintenance. And Edith's son, Doug, helps anywhere that is needed.
Since the first resident arrived during September 1993, they have served over
650 resident clients. They did not keep records on non-resident clients during
the first 2 years. However, since they began keeping records, Covenant House
has touched at least 2,000 individuals to date.
Up until the beginning of this year, a large majority of clients came from domestic
violence situations. During the first half of 1997, they served a total of 175
individuals of whom 55 were resident clients and 120 non-resident. 33% were
pregnant, 28% from domestic violence
situations, 46% were homeless, and 14% other
categories (this adds up to more than 100% since some individuals fall into more than
one category).
The most frightening trend is the increasing rate of homelessness, and the most
encouraging is the increasing number of women choosing to return to school--almost half (46%)
of adult resident clients during 1997. Another very encouraging trend is the
increasing number of women choosing adoption for their babies--5 of 7 babies
born this past year. Approximately 30 babies have been born since beginning.
Not everything can be measured in physical values, Spiritually, there have been
76 salvations and 53 rededications. They have seen spiritual growth among
the "girls" ranging from the mundane to the phenomenal.
PURPOSE
To provide shelter, assistance and support to women and children in crisis situations.
To help women in crisis to achieve restoration to good life quality through
spiritual renewal by faith in Jesus Christ and through empowerment by way
of improved education and life/work skills.
To help women with crisis pregnancies to choose the best life for her baby
through either parenting or adoption.
Shelter for women and children in crisis situations.
Advocacy for victims of domestic violence in obtaining Orders of Protection
and legal aid.
Referral to agencies providing financial assistance, housing and medical
services to disadvantaged persons.
Crisis pregnancy counseling aimed toward assisting the mother to choose
the best life for her baby through either parenting or adoption.
Education counsel and opportunities.
Career counseling and employment advocacy.
Training in all areas necessary for successful parenting and homemaking.
Health counseling by a licensed Nurse-Practitioner.
Psychological counseling by licensed psychologist.
Follow-up support and encouragement.
RAPE INFORMATION PAGE
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE INFORMATION PAGE
"I am grateful for all you have done and the sacrifices you have to make to help
women like me...It comes from my heart...I have appreciated all you've done and all
God was able to begin to do in me because of your ministry...You're special to me."
L.
"When I first came to Covenant House, I had no money, home and very little
possessions, and not to mention, I was faced with the choice of adoption
or raising my own child. But that all changed. I was given many chances
I would not have been given and I am now able to face the correct
choices for my life...it is because of Covenant House that I have a chance..."
-a Covenant House girl
"God bless you for your leadership in helping those who are lost and in need
to find a full life in Jesus. John 10:10."
G & C D
"I want to thank you for what you and the Holy Spirit have done towards putting
my family back together. When I took my daughter there this year, there was nothing but
hostility between her and us...Seven weeks later, she called, ask our forgiveness...She is home with us now,
seeking the right path, knowing our trust, trusting God instead of misguided people.
We are back together, walking in lockstep forward, and spending no time looking
back on those dark days before we found Covenant House. I attribute this change
to your counseling, wisdom...that there is only one way, and that's God's way."
NB
"I have my own place and I am going to school and I am almost done with my GED.
After I am done, I am going to CNA classes...So, I am doing good for myself...
Thank you so much for everything. You have been there for me and done for me.
We love you." D & B
COVENANT HOUSE, a home for women and children in crisis began in September 1993 from a vision
that the Lord had given to Edith Wegner several years before. A large home and
acerage was bought on the outskirts of Mena, Arkansas and after some basic renovations
and furniture building projects, opened with residents. All basic household bills
were and continue to be graciously taken care of by donations and fund raisers
from the local community and churches.
"When I first came to Covenant House, I had no money, home and very little
possessions, and not to mention, I was faced with the choice of adoption
or raising my own child. But that all changed. I was given many chances
I would not have been given and I am now able to face the correct
choices for my life...it is because of Covenant House that I have a chance..."
"I want to thank you for what you and the Holy Spirit have done towards putting
my family back together. When I took my daughter there this year, there was nothing but
hostility between her and us...Seven weeks later, she called, ask our forgiveness...She is home with us now,
seeking the right path, knowing our trust, trusting God instead of misguided people.
We are back together, walking in lockstep forward, and spending no time looking
back on those dark days before we found Covenant House. I attribute this change
to your counseling, wisdom...that there is only one way, and that's God's way."
"I have my own place and I am going to school and I am almost done with my GED.
After I am done, I am going to CNA classes...So, I am doing good for myself...
Thank you so much for everything. You have been there for me and done for me.
We love you."
