Prayer Partner Alliance Newsletter
January 2022
From Loretta's Desk
Greetings for 2022! A few years ago in a New Year’s Day speech, Queen Elizabeth declared the outgoing year as an “annus horribilis” (a horrible year). Many may be tempted to borrow that phrase to describe 2021, however, we at Protected Harbor will not. Having ended the year on a high note, one filled with joy and gratitude for all blessings that God has bestowed upon us, we look forward to the new year. Our very successful Prayer Breakfast, the new partnership with Trailways Camp, and the outpouring of love from new and existing donors, all have contributed to creating the beaming smiles on our clients’ faces and the gratitude in the hearts of all involved in this mission.
 
The Prayer Breakfast that took place on December 3rd was not only well attended but created a fresh burst of interest and outpouring of support from many who had previously never heard of Protected Harbor. Some of the positive results are that we will add a new full-time person to our team, install a new air-conditioning unit in one of the homes, and purchase some sorely needed new appliances. Best of all, we received designated donations that will sponsor two clients for our next camp.
 
Along with the excellent presentation by our keynote breakfast speaker, David Egan, we recapped our accomplishments and introduced our ambitious and exciting goals for 2022 and beyond. Protected Harbor is committed to expanding beyond the two group homes that have been our primary focus. 
 
Within the past eighteen months, we have served over 100 adults with developmental disabilities in various ways. In 2022 our goals include increasing our reach to 150 clients or more and training 200 additional volunteers. Increased Supportive Living Services, Case Management, camp retreats, respite opportunities, and active volunteer recruitment and training are just a few of the ways we will help many in our community and enhance the lives of God’s Special People and their families.
 
What may have been some people’s “annus horribilis” has actually turned out to be a year of gratitude and praise for the miraculous ways God has continued to lead and bless our work. As we reach out to the churches, community providers, and residents of Collier and Lee counties, Protected Harbor is grateful for the tremendous enthusiasm and support being offered. However, all of this would not be possible without you, our loyal donors and prayer partners who provide the foundation from which we grow.
 
To God be the glory!
Staff Spotlight: Meet Clarissa Miller
On October 25th this past year, we had the pleasure of welcoming Clarissa Miller to our staff. As an AmeriCorps Vista Resource and Data Development volunteer, Clarissa will be with us for twelve months. She is currently a sophomore at Florida Gulf Coast University, majoring in Social Work while in the Honor’s program.
 
Clarissa hails from Oswego, NY but happily moved to southwest Florida where she has lived since high school. Her immediate goal, after receiving her bachelor’s degree, is to work in elementary education while completing her master’s degree. Once that goal is achieved, she is open to whatever opportunities may present themselves. Her hope is to establish her own non-profit organization one day. She is therefore grateful for the opportunity of working alongside our staff to learn firsthand what work is entailed in growing such an organization.
Behind the Smiles: Meet Amy
We are excited to welcome Amy as the newest member of Protected Harbor’s residential family. Amy’s mom was introduced to Protected Harbor by the church’s mission leader at United Methodist Church in Estero. The leader was well acquainted with the ministry and our CEO, Loretta Mottram. Amy joined as a permanent resident at the end of November 2021 and is living at our Camino Road home.

Amy and her parents had visited Protected Harbor and participated in previous social activities. Then, in October, they joined the residents, board members, and volunteers at the three-day Trailways Spiritual Camp. Amy’s mom, Paula, expressed that Amy was “walking on air” after attending the camp. She loved canoeing and acquiring new friends while having lots of fun. Behind her smile was a desire to join this new family. Her experience confirmed Protected Harbor is the right place for their daughter.
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 continuing our 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 the homes 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
To provide residential and community based programs and services enhanced with Christian care, for adults with intellectual and developmental 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.