Stone Haven Retreat will provide a "home base" for our existing ministry of teaching on the Jewish/Biblical roots of Christianity by proving a place and atmosphere that lends itself toward our teachings; for example, an area with adequate space and natural material to build self-constructed sukkahs for a 'hands-on' teaching about the Feast of Tabernacles. It will also provide a place for others, whose ministries we are familiar with and support, to conduct retreats, seminars and training sessions focused on building and equipping the Body of Messiah. The facilities will also be made available to groups and individuals for weddings/receptions, family reunions, group picnics or other events, as well as those who simply wish to enjoy the setting without participating in any of the scheduled retreats/seminars.
It is our goal and vision for Stone Haven to be a place that every visitor can fully enjoy, whether they get around on two feet or four wheels. For this reason, we are designing all the buildings and the majority of the trails and recreational areas to be fully accessible and hope to have a number of all-terrain powered wheel chairs available for use. We will also provide services for the Deaf Community, with at least one Licensed and Certified ASL Interpreter on staff and a majority of the Staff & long-term volunteers trained with a basic basic knowledge/vocabulary of ASL. In addition, lodging and other buildings will be provided with appropriate equipment (vibrating alarms, flashing lights for doors, etc.)
We will ensure that all persons working at the facility, (whether paid or volunteer position) who will be in contact with the guests, will be trained to handle emergency situations, including CPR and basic First Aid. We'll further ensure that a trained individual, equipped with a two-way radio to allow for contact with the office, will be present during all scheduled activities. We also plan to coordinate with the local hospital, ambulance service, and law enforcement for all emergency situations and to clear an area to provide helicopter service should a situation arise that warrants it.
When completed, the facilities will include:
- A Stone and Log Chapel
- A Multi-Purpose Center with meeting, kitchen and dining areas
- 3 lodges, designed with a "home-like" atmosphere (including a common area for relaxation and fellowship, a fully equipped kitchen and dining area and laundry facilities) housing approximately 25-48 people each
- A number of smaller cabins, which will house approximately 1-6 people each
- Camping and RV sites
- An area for outdoor weddings, receptions, family reunions or other group eventsthat will include a covered pavillion with an outdoor kitchen and fireplace
- Areas for creek "wading", complete with wheelchair ramps
- Other areas with pavillions and wheelchair accessible barbeque pits for picnics
- Accessible walking/hiking trails with plenty of places that have benches and shade to stop and rest along the way
- Conference Center/Library
- Garden area with raised beds and a greenhouse
- An orchard
- General Store
- Swimming Pool
- Horseback/Therapeutic Riding
We are also exploring the option of offering float trips on the upper Bryant Creek and discussing other ideas as well. The hope is that the land on where the center is located will be as self-supporting as possible, without relying solely on income from Stone Haven itself.
We'll be making contact with local Churches, Schools, Hospitals, Chamber of Commerce, Nursing Homes, individual business owners, etc. in a concentrated effort to be an active and positive part of the local community. This will also provide us with knowledge of local resources and promote relationships that will hopefully be mutually beneficial.
Fees for lodging, seminars, day-use, etc, have not yet been determined. All fees will be reasonable and within an affordable price range for each participant. We are in the process of incorporating Foundations Ministries as a 501 (c) 3 Non Profit Organization to assist us in reaching our goal of welcoming everyone to Stone Haven regardless of their financial circumstances and in securing and maintaining the necessary equipment and adaptaions (power chairs, ramps, etc) to allow each guest to enjoy their visit to the fullest.
Stone Haven will be staffed by the Directors, Randy and Marji Hughes and Co-Directors Jason and Staci Amschler, on a full time basis. Other positions, such as an RN, cooks, janitorial help and other maintenance personnel, will be staffed on as needed basis. Volunteers will be recruited for various positions as well.
Those that may be employed and volunteer at Stone Haven Retreat Center will be required to undergo a background check, although consideration of the healing power of the grace of God will also be taken into consideration, so that those with a "dark past" may not be automatically rejected.
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