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Smithfield, NC – A handyman’s group of the First Baptist Church in Smithfield recently built a handicap ramp for Harbor’s shelter. The group’s ministry was coordinated by Bryan Harris, Minister of Education and Outreach for First Baptist.
The ramp is required as part of the North Carolina Department of Administration’s Council for Women/Domestic Violence Commission regulations. The shelter attempts to eliminate any physical barriers for its clients.
Mr. Harris states, “Building the ramp is another way of showing how Christ cares for folks. Through the work of this ministry, lives are touched in a positive way and we are able to meet and provide for the shelter residents where they are.”
Keri Christensen, Harbor’s Executive Director states, “This ramp makes it much easier for any of our clients who have physical impairments to access the shelter. The handymen started and completed the project in one day and all the group members were so generous with their time and money in installing this much-needed ramp. Their efforts and those of First Baptist Church are another example of how the Johnston County community embraces Harbor’s services and cares about the women and children we serve.”
Related Links:
Harbor, Inc. – www.harborshelter.org
Key Facts and Figures about Harbor, Inc.:
• Non-profit provider for women and children who have been battered, suffered sexual assault, or displaced as homemakers.
• Serves Johnston County, NC.
• A United Way of the Greater Triangle Agency.
• Specially trained, active volunteers.
• Volunteer board of directors that includes leaders from the legal, medical, educational, and business communities.
• 24/7 telephone crisis intervention.
• Transitional housing and 14-bed shelter.
• Individual and group counseling and children’s programs.
• Court assistance and referrals to legal services.
• Hospital companionship.
• New Choices Program offering assistance with resumes and job searches.
• Served 3000 victims in 2009; 500 were children; 700 were assisted through the court process; 300 women found employment; and 250 women and children moved to independent living.
Harbor, Inc.
Sherry Harris
Public Relations Chairperson
E-mail: drugdnacenter@bellsouth.net
Phone: 919.965.8572
