Update on A Safe Haven Foundation's Haiti Relief Efforts

A Safe Haven Foundation is providing emergency temporary shelter and accommodations for survivors of the recent earthquakes in Haiti. More than 240 Haiti survivors arrived in Chicago last week. Those arriving in Chicago airports were greeted by A Safe Haven Foundation representatives who were on hand with food, clothing, and lodging accommodations. A Safe Haven Foundation is extending a helping hand and anticipates assisting more than 500 Haiti survivors over the next couple of weeks.

"We have great experience and interest in helping people who are homeless and experiencing personal crisis in their lives. Our experience in providing shelter and support to provide foundation to stabilize the lives of people in crisis was invaluable in this situation, as our expert personnel showed extreme dedication and professionalism as we had an unprecedented number of arrivals all at once," said Neli Vazquez-Rowland, President of A Safe Haven Foundation. "It will be an unforgettable experience for all of us at A Safe Haven and all of our volunteers who helped the survivors in their time of need. At A Safe Haven, we met, we cried, we laughed, we prayed, and we sang with the survivors. It was very moving to meet these people, hear their stories, and witness their faith and courage. We are also blessed to have the most incredible staff in the world. Many of our staff and volunteers worked 36 hours straight to ensure everyone was welcomed with warm food and open arms no matter what time they arrived," added Ms. Vazquez-Rowland.

We would like to thank Sam's Club, Chicago Mini Bus Travel, Aramark and all other donors and volunteers for their solidarity and commitment to join A Safe Haven Foundation as strategic allies in support of survivors, pledging an ongoing campaign to raise money to help subsidize our costs, provide transportation and provide supplies. Through their efforts we were able to transport some of them to and from the airport and provide not only accommodations and medical attention on site, but also provide care packages that included clothing, toiletries, blankets and other basic supplies to help them begin to rebuild their lives.

Help Us Help Our Haiti Friends. Donations are being accepted to restore devastated lives. To provide services, supportive housing, provide food, clothing, bedding and toiletries, send your checks, or money order donations to:
A Safe Haven Foundation
Attn: Hope for Haiti
2750 W. Roosevelt Road
Chicago, IL 60608
Online Credit Card Donations:
www.ASafeHaven.com
"Donation" Tab

Charitable Deduction in 2009 for Haiti Relief

The House of Representatives unanimously passed H.R. 4462 on 1-20-2010. This legislation would allow individuals who make charitable contributions to victims of the earthquake in Haiti to claim an itemized charitable deduction on their 2009 tax return instead of having to wait until next year to claim these deductions on their 2010 tax return. The legislation also includes a provision allowing those who text messaged a donation the ability to use a phone bill as proof of donation.

A Safe Haven Foundation Providing Shelther for Haiti Earthquake Victims

Giving hope and a home to those in crisis and transition...

A Safe Haven Foundation will be providing temporary shelter and accommodations for survivors of the recent earthquakes in Haiti. Those arriving in Chicago airports will be greeted by A Safe Haven Foundation representatives who will be on hand with food, clothing and lodging options. A Safe Haven Foundation is extending a helping hand and anticipates assisting more than 100 people throughout their facilities.

"We have great experience and interest in helping people who are homeless. Our hearts go out to the survivors who are more than homeless. They're devastated, in shock, mourning and grieving. We're honored to be of service," said Brian Rowland, Rep of A Safe Haven Foundation.

We would like to thank Sam's Club and Chicago Mini Bus Travel for their commitment to join A Safe Haven Foundation as strategic allies in support of survivors, pledging an ongoing campaign to raise money, provide transportation and provide supplies.

Help Us Help Our Friends. Donations are being accepted to restore devastated lives. To provide supportive housing, purchase food, clothing, bedding and toiletries, send your checks, or money order donations to:

A Safe Haven Foundation

Attn: Hope for Haiti

2750 W. Roosevelt Road

Chicago, IL 60608

Online Credit Card Donations:

http://www.asafehaven.com/

"Foundation" Tab

About A Safe Haven...

A Safe Haven is a Social Economic Model providing and coordinating supportive recovery home housing, treatment, affordable housing, job training and job placement services. A Safe Haven's housing and case management services are available to people who are homeless and/or in for recovery from disease of alcoholism and drug addiction. More than 30,000 people have participated in programs offered at A Safe Haven. Through their diverse programs, which include phased living arrangements, ASH has achieved great success in aiding the long-term sustainable recovery, self-sufficiency and independence of their residents. A Safe Haven accepts both public and private referrals. A Safe Haven is honored to have recently been chosen by the Board of Directors of the 100 year old Chicago Christian Industrial League to steward the mission of helping the homeless.

CCIL on CAN TV 12/17/09 – Guest Leon Edwards

Pictured above: Leon Edwards is standing in the back row, second from the left

Leon Edwards lit up the phone lines with his powerful testimony on CAN TV Thursday, December 17, 2009 at 4:30pm. Callers were engaged by how Leon emerged from the depths of despair to totally transforming his life.

Leon’s life took a downward spiral resulting in a shot to the head. Paralyzed, unable to walk or talk, doctors predicted a dismal future for him. Leon defeated the odds and is now part of CCIL’s Landscape Services. He was recently awarded at CCIL’s Landscape Appreciation Ceremony Friday, December 4, 2009 and is a true inspiration to everyone he meets.

Hotline 21 is a live, interactive, call-in show. Viewers are encouraged to call 312-738-1060 with questions or comments.

CCIL on CAN TV 12/10/09 – Guest Barbara Brinson

CCIL has been empowering thousands of people and rebuilding lives for 100 years. Barbara Brinson is one of those people. Barbara, CCIL alum and landscape program graduate, motivated viewers during her lively CAN TV interview Thursday, December 10, 2009 at 4:30pm.

“I’m so thankful for CCIL and getting a second chance. I was stubborn and hard-headed. My family did the tough love thing with me and CCIL gave me hope,” said Brinson.

Barbara is a CCIL success story. She graduated from the Landscape Training Program on Friday, December 4, 2009 and is excited to apply the many skills she learned. Barbara is living independently and is a true testimony to the great work being done at CCIL.

Hotline 21 is a live, interactive, call-in show. Viewers are encouraged to call 312-738-1060 with questions or comments. This is a great opportunity to learn more about CCIL's mission, programs, partnerships and people served.

CCIL on CAN TV 12/3/09 - Guest Eddie Myers

CCIL alum Eddie Myers gave a sincere, heartfelt testimony during his CAN TV interview Thursday, December 3, 2009 at 4:30pm. Viewers called in asking his advice and applauded his efforts. On viewer offered words of encouragement to Eddie as he assimilates to being back in society.

Eddie Myers was laid off from his corporate job a few months ago. “I didn’t see it coming, it was a total shock,” said Myers. Eddie is a 51 year old, college-educated, hard working man who was hit by the recession. “I moved in with my parents for a short time and then made my way to CCIL. I wanted to take responsibility for my own situation, for my own life.”

Armed with family support and a positive attitude, Eddie made the most of his time at CCIL. He’s now living independently, working full-time and is thankful for social service agencies that are helping people like him.

Hotline 21 is a live, interactive, call-in show. Viewers are encouraged to call 312-738-1060 with questions or comments. This is a great opportunity to learn more about CCIL's mission, programs, partnerships and people served.

Holiday Meal at CCIL

A Safe Haven (ASH) and the Chicago Christian Industrial League (CCIL) will be hosting a complimentary Christmas Day brunch consisting of turkey, stuffing, vegetables, mashed potatoes, rolls, pastries and beverages. Join us in a day full of fabulous food, fellowship and fun as we reflect on another year and give thanks for the many blessings in our lives!

What:
Community Holiday Meal

When:
Christmas Day, Friday, December 25, 2009
from 9:30am – Noon

Where:
CCIL Cafeteria
2750 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago, IL

Who:
All are welcome!