Joselyns' Corner Messages from the Shelter Manager Luke 3:11 He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise. Lamentations 3:22-23 22 It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The Martins—Ana, Luis, and their three children, Maya (10), Jonah (7), and little Rosa (2)—lost their apartment when Luis’s seasonal work dried up and an unexpected medical bill drained their savings. For weeks they slept in their car, moving between friends’ couches and the church parking lot, trying to hold onto school routines, part-time odd jobs, and each other. Pride and fear made asking for help hard, but when the car finally failed them, Ana called the number she’d been given at the school and they arrived, exhausted and ashamed, at Hope Haven Gospel Mission. Hope Haven’s dormitory smells of strong coffee and warm blankets. The staff greeted them with quiet, practical kindness: a bunk for the kids, a cot for Ana and Luis, hot meals, and a place to do laundry. The mission’s chapel became a place the family could breathe and pray together—something they hadn’t been able to do without crying in private. The children were enrolled in the mission’s tutoring program, letting Maya and Jonah keep up with schoolwork while Rosa had time in the playroom. Hope Haven is a small, faith-based shelter without in-house case managers or counselors, but the staff know the community’s network well. Instead of limiting help to beds and meals, they quickly connected the Martins to outside resources: a nearby community health clinic for Luis’s medical needs, the county’s housing hotline, and a nonprofit that provides rental assistance. Someone at the mission called a regional mental-health agency and helped schedule a counseling intake for Ana, who’d been carrying deep anxiety since everything fell apart. Most importantly, a volunteer coordinator at Hope Haven helped the family prepare a housing packet—ID copies, proof of school enrollment, a simple budget, references, and a one-page letter explaining their situation. The mission’s director wrote an attestation letter describing the family’s commitment to steady work and stability, which landlords and agencies often appreciate. The mission also provided transportation to meetings and appointments and a small fund to cover application fees and a temporary storage unit so the Martins didn’t have to leave their few belongings behind. Because the mission knew local caseworkers, they referred the Martins to a case manager at the county’s family services office. The case manager met the family at Hope Haven, reviewed the packet, and helped them apply for rapid rehousing vouchers. With coordinated effort—Hope Haven’s practical support, the case manager’s advocacy, and the family’s persistence—Luis secured steady part-time work at a landscaping company that offered benefits, and Ana found a job as a school aide after completing a quick certification the mission had helped arrange. Within three months they were approved for a rental subsidy and found a modest two-bedroom apartment near the kids’ school. The move-in was small and quiet: volunteers from the mission brought boxes, beds, and comforters. On the day they turned the key, Maya drew a crayon picture to hang in the kitchen; Jonah declared the closet “his fortress,” and Rosa toddled from room to room like the apartment was a new playground. Hope Haven didn’t do everything—the case manager, community agencies, and the family’s own hard work were essential—but the shelter’s willingness to connect, accompany, and advocate made the difference. Months later, the Martins still visited Hope Haven to volunteer meals and to share their story in the chapel, not to ask for help but to remind others that a combination of human compassion and community coordination can restore stability and dignity to a family that once had nowhere to sleep. Scan to donate

Information on current projects that we are working on. Upcoming Projects (assistance would be appreciated) Expanding dining room Organizing the basement Moving the giveaway room to the basement Getting blinds for all windows Getting curtains for all windows Looking into new showers and tubs Getting lines down in the parking lot Updating camera system Updating fire alarm system Looking into getting a new stove New floors for the women's dorm bathrooms Getting a bigger van to transport all guests and staff to Faith Baptist in Auburn New pots and pans for the kitchen Others things to come

This is the information for our Board of Directors here at Hope Haven Gospel Mission Board Of Directors Christian Gumprecht President Ron Meldrum Vice President - Treasurer Peter Laitres Member Dennis Barrett Member Mario Chadinha Member John Case Member

We have a solid team here at Hope Haven Gospel Mission, Pastor Willie Ponds is the Executive Director, Joselyn Griggs is the Shelter Manager, R. Anthony Feole is the Security Director Joselyn Griggs Shelter Manager, R. Anthony Feole Security Director, V. Renee Robinson Ponds Communication & Events Director, Jeffrey Hutchinson Maintenance Supervisor, Dawn Page Receptionist, Marjorie Housekeeping, Hope Haven Leadership The dedicated team at Hope Haven is committed to serving those in need with care and compassion. We strive to be the hands and feet of Christ while working constantly to ensure that the dignity of everyone we encounter is maintained and that physical and spiritual needs are met. https://www.zazzle.com/seeing_scripture Pastor Willie Ponds Executive Director • pastorwilliepondshhgm @gmail.com Hailing from Norfolk, Virginia, and nurtured in the Cavalier Manor area of Portsmouth, Pastor Ponds is a dedicated servant of faith, a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, and a former professional basketball athlete with a 15-year tenure in the NBA and FIBA leagues. Alongside his beloved wife, Verlene Robinson Ponds, they are blessed with a family of five children. His journey of service includes a significant tenure as Shelter Manager and Chapel Pastor at Union Mission in Norfolk, Virginia, for half a decade. His commitment to ministry continued at Trinity Rescue Mission in Jacksonville, Florida, where he served as Study Hall Coordinator, Bible Teacher, and Chaplain at Signature Medical Center from August 2007 until 2018. Presently, he is the Assistant Pastor and Outreach Pastor at Faith Baptist Church in Auburn, Maine, serving under the guidance of Senior Pastor Jon Case. Pastor Ponds is well-equipped with a Bachelor’s degree in Theology, Christian Education, and Biblical Studies, focusing on both the Old and New Testaments, from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia; and finishing his studies with seminary school in Richmond, Virginia. His pastoral calling was affirmed through his licensing and ordination at Grove Baptist Church in Portsmouth, Virginia, under the mentorship of Dr. Melvin O. Marriner, Senior Pastor Joselyn Griggs Shelter Manager • joselyngriggshhgm@gmail.com Hailing from Caguas, Puerto Rico, and nurtured in the community of Springfield, Massachusetts, Joselyn is a testament to faith and family. A devoted follower of Christ, she has shared a loving partnership with her husband, Bruce Griggs, for a quarter of a century and is the proud mother of five. Her proficiency shines in her command of Microsoft Office tools, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Publisher. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Office Management, Joselyn’s leadership has spanned a diverse array of roles. At Hope Haven Gospel Mission, she has skillfully overseen operations in Security, Food Service, and Donations, meticulously managed financial records, and ensured the integrity of all monetary transactions. In addition to her financial acumen, she diligently administers the payroll and oversees all procurement for the mission, ensuring the organization’s needs are met with precision and care. Security Director • anthonyfeolehhgm@gmail.com Hailing from Harlem, NY, by way of Boston, MA. He has quickly become a vital part of Hope Haven Gospel Mission. Anthony has shown a passion for helping others and keeping with our motto “Caring Like Christ”. He provides security for our facility, guests, and employees around the clock. Anthony will also assist in other day-to-day operations. Anthony comes from a security background that has assisted us here at Hope Haven Gospel Mission. V. Renee Robinson Ponds Communication & Event Director • reneepondshhgm@gmail.com Hailing from Portsmouth, Va and raised in Greenville, Ms. She returned to Portsmouth in her teens, a devoted follower of Christ. Has been married to Pastor Willie Ponds for 17 years and is mother of 5. She attended Tidewater Community College working towards a degree in Early Childhood Education from 1983-1985. Mrs. Ponds brings her vast experience to community outreach, and her years of ministry experience. She is looking forward to working with the Lewiston and Auburn communities.

We are on X, Instagram, Tik Tok, Facebook, and Youtube Media Contact: Pastor Willie Ponds Office: 207-457-5710 Cell: 904-930-8585 wponds85@gmail.com Mail: 209 Lincoln Street, Lewiston, ME 04240 Email Me!

Hope Haven Gospel Mission has been assisting the community since 1982. Our History Hope Haven Gospel Mission was established in 1982 by a group of pastors that had a burden for the homeless and the hurting people on the streets of Lewiston.

Everyone is welcomed to come by and take look at our facility. Mission Tours To lean how Hope Haven Gospel Mission helps neighbors in need. Sign up for a tour of our homeless shelter, kitchen, and giveaway room. Chapel Engagement Our chapel service is every Sunday at 6:30 pm, everyone is welcome! Bible study every Wednesday at 6 pm. All are welcome. Spread the word Our advocates are those who believe in and support our ministry. Follow us on Facebook and YouTube to stay in the know about chapel service and updates on completed projects.

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Christmas program for families in need this holiday season. Christmas Needs Every year at Christmas Hope Haven receives dozens of applications from all over Lewiston-Auburn from families who need help with providing their children with a few gifts at Christmas. This year we have a great need for gift items for children ages 8-13. Some of those items are: Stocking Stuffers Gift wrap Gift bags/boxes Regulation Footballs, Soccer Balls, Basketballs Art Sets (crayons, markers, paint, etc.) Creativity Sets (create-your-own items, beading, sewing, paper crafts) Lego/Block Sets - name brand not required American Girl-Style 18 Inch Dolls (My Life - Walmart, My Generation - Target) Clothing and Accessories for 18 Inch Dolls Winter Play Items (Plastic Sleds, Snow Toys), ect Small Remote Control Cars (+ batteries). Lego's (generic ones are fine) Arts and Craft Make up Puzzles If you would like to provide some of these or other items, or adopt a family, please contact us at 783-6086, or email at hopehavengospelmission@gmail.com . Thank you for your support! Christmas Applications 2025 Accepted: November 14– December 12, 2025 Pickup Date: Thursday, December 19 Between 9am - 3 pm Criteria: Parent/Legal Guardian must reside in Lewiston or Auburn. Must provide proof of legal residence of Lewiston or Auburn during the application process. Children 13 and under ONLY. No Electronics Parent/Legal Guardian applying for assistance must have custody of the child(ren) and must reside with them. Please be prepared to provide proof of custody during the application process. Assistance is not provided for children receiving assistance from other agencies; information between agencies is shared, and violators will be disqualified from all future Hope Haven events. When turning in your application, please come prepared with your ID and any required paperwork. We will not accept incomplete applications or applications with missing documentation. Applicants: Applications will be handed out in our Giveaway Center beginning November 17, 2 025 to December 12, 2024 Available days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 10 a.m. to 11 until December 19th . Pick up date is set for December 18, from 9am to 3pm. Please remember to bring valid ID and verification of financial status and custody of children before arriving to apply. ID must be provided to pick up - no exceptions. 2025 Christmas Assistance Application.docx Christmas Application

Stories from current and past guests on how their lives have changed. Word of the Day Nothing happens by accident. GOD always has a purpose for EVERYTHING. For prayer request please call Joselyn Griggs (207) 599-1115 Renee Ponds (207) 783-6086 Pastor Ponds (207) 740-8667 As people walk through the doors of Hope Haven Gospel Mission every day looking for help. At times that is just a meal or a bed. Other times it is just for love and encouragement to take the first steps towards a fresh start. The stories of Hope show how others have found help here. You can too! Men's Suit Drive All our guests at Hope Haven Gospel Mission attend Church 2 Sunday's a month, and are looking for employment. We would like to assist them to make the transition as smoothly as possible while they are in this chapter in their lives. Also looking for dress shirts, ties, and dress shoes in sizes 8 to 14. As Acts 20:35 states, In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” With much fear and trepidation, I realized the situation i was in. Thanks to someone at church I was told about Hope Haven. Not only are they a safe place but they also provide a meal and clothing. I was going through a really rough spot, and Hope Haven has opened its arms to assist me in getting back on my feet. They are faith based and you can feel the love and caring while there. They have helped restore my faith. Hope Has also become an active part of my healing process. They remind me that when I feel alone I am not, that GOD is always there for me........SC. When I moved back to Maine I ended up homeless, I then contacted Hope Haven . They provide me with a warm place to sleep and good meals that fill you up. The staff is warm and welcoming to all....WD.

We are looking into having life skill classes for our guests. Confidence Building Classes These classes will assist our guest to build their self-confidence in not only their homemaking skills but their professional lives as well. 1 Budgetting How to budget income so that all bills are paid and a little saved for a rainy day. 2 Better Home Cleaning or keeping your home clean can be daunting. Creating a cleaning schedule can help keep you organized and not overwhelmed. 3 Coming Soon Coming Soon 4 Coming Soon Coming Soon Get in Touch This is a Paragraph. Click on "Edit Text" or double click on the text box to start editing the content.

This page has current openings at Hope Haven Gospel Mission staff. Shelter Staff Openings See Openings Job Application.docx Shelter Staff Openings Maintenance Assistant Assist in conducting regular maintenance tasks such as cleaning, painting, and minor repairs Conduct routine inspections of premises and equipment Help set up and take down equipment for events Handle basic repairs and maintenance Handy Man Fix doors in the organization and change the locks if they are bad. Carry out carpentry works Carry out flooring works. Troubleshoot general problems. Repair and replace general hardware. Remove stains and paint building when necessary. Attend to members of staff promptly when called upon. Food Service Manager Keep Inventory Coordinate menu Supervise Staff Maintain paperwork Security Monitor cameras Safety and well-being of staff and guest Monotoring facility Some light office work