The Compass:October Newsletter

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Our Services

We have created a format and a safe place so that your story might be told at your own pace. This is an organization where you will be accepted, right where you are, in your own healing journey.

We believe that God can and does radically heal a heart that’s been wounded by abuse.

 
Join us as we dare to walk the healing path together. 

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Service Fees:

Groups: $10.00 per group session. 

Individual sessions: $40.00 

However, no one is ever refused for services due to her inability to pay. A sliding scale is available for those who need it. For more information, please discuss your specific circumstances with your group facilitator or individual counselor.

Meet Fair Haven Staff Member: Kelly Vates

Kelly Vates - Co-Founder, President, & Executive Director 

Email Kelly: Kelly@asafeport.org

Kelly Vates is an adult survivor of child sexual abuse. Born and raised in Lake County Indiana, she spent her childhood suffering in silence.   Searching for a way out, she found her “prince charming” and married at the age of 19 in hopes of “Happily Ever After.”  However, the lasting affects of child sexual abuse began to haunt her. Dealing with flashbacks, panic attacks and body memories on a daily basis, Kelly began praying to die. Gratefully, her story does not end there. Kelly was introduced to recovery in 1994 and began journey toward healing.  

Breaking the silence and educating others is Kelly’s calling and passion. Early in her recovery process, she began participating in a Survivor’s Panel at the Portage High School and spoke to a local Girl Scout Troop using the “Good Touch/Bad Touch” curriculum. This was just the beginning of Kelly’s journey to advocacy.  

After finishing three consecutive years in recovery and several appearances on a national television show, Kelly was lead to write her story and share her path of hope, healing, and recovery. Evergreen Press published Shattered Innocence in June of 2001. Kelly has been invited to numerous conferences both locally and throughout the country. However, her passion and time is still spent on the focus of helping the survivors and educating the community.

Kelly began as a volunteer at the St. Jude House in September of 2001 and began co facilitating the group “Embracing the Journey”, a   support group for adult survivors of child sexual abuse. In January 2002, St. Jude House recognized Kelly’s expertise and offered her a part-time position as a peer-advocate/group facilitator.   Kelly’s dedication and desire doesn’t stop there.   Fueled by her passion to educate the faith-based community, Kelly founded Seas of Life Ministries.

2002 Kelly founded Seas of Life Ministries, a ministry of First Christian Church of Griffith, and served as Director of the ministry. Through this ministry, Kelly launched “Embracing HIS Journey.” This group has a Christ-centered focus while working on the recovery of sexual abuse.  

Kelly has been instrumental in developing programs that share the realities of child abuse and the lasting affects on the survivor’s life-physically, emotionally and spiritually. These presentations equip ministers, counselors, teachers and parents with tools to educate both children and adults about abuse.    

In October 2005, Kelly began building her vision of a faith-focused recovery center for survivors of violence in Lake County, Indiana. This vision is called Fair Haven Center for Women, Inc.

Kelly has developed a unique community outreach program called AGAPE to bring about the needed awareness of sexual violence. The Annual AGAPE Walk for Awareness held in April because April is recognized nationally as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The AGAPE Walk for Awareness invites the entire community to get involved by taking “steps” to eradicate violence and abuse from the community. It also encourages survivors of abuse and violence to “take their candle and go light the world!”

Kelly has received certifications in Crisis Counseling, Christian Leadership and Evangelism. She has also received certifications in Biblical Lay Counseling and Women's Ministry from the American Association of Christian Counselors.

Kelly has dedicated her life to the education and prevention of abuse & violence. It is her way of taking the pain of her abuse and turning it into blessing. There is life without pain!

Fair Haven Center for Women's Board of Directors

Fair Haven was officially was recognized as a non-for-profit by the State of Indiana on December 12, 2005.

We received our federal Non-for-Profit status on October 20, 2006. Being recognized as Non-for-Profit by the Federal Government has opened up many doors. One of those is that any monies you contribute to Fair Haven are 100% tax deductible.

The Current Board Members for Fair Haven Center For Women, Inc. are:

Karen Smith - Chairperson
Robin Becker
Marlene Daluga
Joe Vates

Patty Conley - Non-Voting Member

Kelly Vates - Non-Voting Member

Meet Fair Haven Staff Member: Patty Conley

Patty Conley - Co-Founder, Vice-President & Director of Operations

Email Address: Patty@asafeport.org

Patty Conley is an adult survivor of child sexual abuse.  She was born and raised in Lake County Indiana and resides there today.  At the age of 13 she knew that God would use the tragedies of her life in a positive way. She is very passionate about helping hurting women work through their life experiences. Patty says, “If you can change their thinking, you can change their life.”   (Proverbs 23:7 – For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.) 

Patty has been married to a great guy for 33 years and has 2 beautiful children and a wonderful daughter-in-law and two amazing grandsons. She and her husband Terry are enjoying the “empty nest” stage of their lives. They still enjoy camping and trips to the dunes. Patty enjoys being with family, reading, painting and having coffee with her girlfriends. Patty has received her certification in Biblical Lay Counseling from the American Association of Christian Counselors and is currently pursuing her Bachelor's Degree in Counseling.

The Origin of Fair Haven's Name

The name Fair Haven is found in the 27th chapter of the book of Acts.

It was a harbor in the south of Crete, some 5 miles to the east of which was the town of Lasea. Fair Haven was the safe port that the ship of Alexandria (in which Paul and his companions sailed) was detained. Contrary to Paul's advice, the master of the ship determined to prosecute the voyage. The result was that, after a stormy voyage, the vessel was finally wrecked on the coast of Malta.  

Fair Haven's mission is to be that safe port in the storm for those who find themselves weary, bruised and broken by the storms of violence. If you are searching for a safe place to heal; dock here and rest awhile.  

You will receive encouragement and some needed tools for the future travels. You will receive supplies that will help with today. You will also receive support and direction along the path or recovery. We are here to help.

Call Our Office Today!

1-219-961-HELP (4357)