Prayer Partner Alliance Newsletter
August 2021
From Loretta's Desk
We welcome August with renewed motivation and joy. It is also the time to enjoy vacations, walks on the beach, swimming, sun, picnics, and even popsicles!
 
It has been a season of great transition at Protected Harbor. We welcomed a new resident, and are helping her adjust to her new home. We also welcomed Pete and Cindy Garritt to our team of Direct Support Professionals who will serve in one of the homes. We look forward to their arrival and the love and encouragement they will bring to our residents as we expand our mission and ministry.
 
As our outreach continues to grow, many more Southwest Florida families are aware of Protected Harbor’s stellar reputation. These families and others throughout the country reach out to Protected Harbor for help. They express their personal needs and desires for their adult children who possess a variety of intellectual and developmental disabilities. These requests are both a source of joy and yet a challenge we are willing to accept. Our top priorities are always to serve God and be ready to grow as He leads. Your support in these efforts is vital and appreciated.

Thanks to our wonderful, committed donors and our more recent partnerships with organizations like Pelican Sound, AmeriCorps, Vista, and Florida Gulf Coast University we are expanding our horizon to meet the needs of a much larger number of God’s Special People this year.
 
Helping those we serve to live their best possible lives is a key goal here at Protected Harbor. We have been honored with an “exemplary review” by the Florida State Quality Assurance Program for our Developmental Disability Services. We are thrilled with the recognition and the maturation of our residents. They are now more prepared than ever to engage in the community in which they live.
 
At Protected Harbor, we are optimistic and excited to see what the Lord has in store for our residents and clients in the months ahead. It is through His provision that our work gets done with successful outcomes achieved. We appreciate all who generously commit their gifts & talents to this wonderful mission. Most of all we thank you for your prayers.
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It is with great honor that we announce David Egan as the keynote speaker for our 10th Annual Prayer Breakfast. The event will take place on Dec. 3, 2021, at the Hyatt Coconut Point.

David is the author of “More Alike Than Different”, and is well known for his activism and advocacy for those, who like him, have surmounted the challenges of growing up with developmental disabilities. His inspiring life story and optimistic outlook on life will be the highlight of this year’s Prayer Breakfast, an event you shouldn't miss. Please join us by registering now!
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Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy., Fort Myers, Florida 33912
Board Member Spotlight:
Alyssa Hayes
Board member Alyssa Hayes joined Protected Harbor eight years ago. Among the many gifts and services she has contributed to our mission, her skills in speech pathology have greatly enhanced the communication needs and struggles of various residents. Recently, she has conducted weekly training sessions with two of our men, and has often said that working with them brings her nothing but joy and fulfillment.
 
When Alyssa was growing up, a friend’s sister suffered from Cerebral Palsy. Alyssa witnessed her family take care of all her needs well into adulthood. They used pictures to help her communicate which made such a deep impression on Alyssa that it became the impetus and inspiration for becoming a Speech Pathologist.  Her childhood experience created a true passion for the communication needs of people with special needs and their overall independence. Alyssa believes strongly in building independence and believing that if they can, they will.
Behind the Smiles: Meet Tiffany
Tiffany is a well-rounded creative young lady, whether it be expressed through music or art. She has a meticulous eye for detail which became obvious once she began experimenting with small pieces of colored glass while creating her first mosaic piece. Her artistic skills caught the eyes of her fellow residents who lavish her with praise and accolades once they see her completed work. This is also true when she plays the Indian flute. What she struggles to express verbally, can be easily understood through her artistic expression.

Tiffany loves to read and learn. In addition to her involvement with the regular training programs offered, she is teaching herself the Japanese system of writing using Chinese characters known as “kanji”. This is an obvious transition for her, as she can use her innate artistic abilities to design perfectly crafted characters while being amazingly able to remember what each one of them means. Along with kanji, she is fascinated by Japanese culture, literature, and art.
We are so grateful for the outpouring of support from our donors.  In response to the many calls we receive asking how you can help, we are launching our new Online Wish List.  Click the Contribution link on the left for a current list of items needed and desired for the homes.  Items are shipped directly to us making it even easier for those wishing to lend an extra hand of support. Visit our registry today!
Our Mission, Our Vision, Your Support
Our Mission
The mission of Protected Harbor is to develop and operate supportive housing, enhanced with Christian care, for adults with intellectual disabilities.

Our Vision
Our vision is that adults that want and need the Protected Harbor model for Christian care homes will have a home with Protected Harbor.

Support Our Work
We believe that God calls each of us for a very special purpose. The work He has called us to is a ministry that we embrace with our whole hearts. If you feel that God is calling you to support this special work, please consider making a contribution. 
PROTECTED HARBOR INC. IS A 501(c)(3) NON-PROFIT CORPORATION. DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE TO THE EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION (CH14174) AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE OR BY VISITING WWW.FLORIDACONSUMERHELP.COM. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.