HEART Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the facility located?
HEART Ministry is located on 34 acres just outside Lavonia, Georgia. From Atlanta, take I-85 North to exit 173 and turn right toward Lavonia on Hwy 17. Turn right onto Bear Creek Road at the Northeast Georgia Bank and go 1 mile.
The address is 1150 Bear Creek Road, Lavonia, GA 30553
How did HEART Ministry begin?
In 1995, two brothers, Scut and Guy Mauldin donated 34 acres of land for the purpose of starting a Christian based recovery program for women addicted to alcohol and/or drugs. Title to the land was accepted by the Tugalo Baptist Association and a Board of Directors was selected. The program began Nov. 1, 1998, when a farmhouse on the property was renovated, and Jane Sheldon was called as Program Director. In 1999, the facilities were expanded with the addition of a 2000 sq. ft. modular home.
Who sponsors HEART Ministry?
HEART Ministry is incorporated under the laws of the state of Georgia. It is under the sponsorship of the Tugalo Baptist Association; the Georgia Baptist Convention; and the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention.
How is the ministry funded?
HEART Ministry, Inc. is a non-profit, tax exempt ministry. The GBC and the NAMB partially fund the salary of the Program Director. All other funding comes from the Tugalo Baptist Association, church budgets, classes, clubs, individuals, foundations and resident fees.
Who are the staff persons?
Jane Sheldon, Program Director, is a Certified Addiction Counselor II who has had many years experience working with addicted women. Other staff include: a Certified Addiction Counselor, three Case Managers; and an Office Manager.
What type of program is offered?
Women live at HEART for 8 weeks. They are offered an atmosphere of Christian love and acceptance. While at HEART, the residents participate in group and individual counseling. They learn the 12 Step recovery principles with an emphasis on God as the hope for their recovery. They learn that only a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is the ultimate answer to their problems. There is strong emphasis on Bible study and personal devotion. They attend worship services and Bible study at a local church. Other activities include work assignments, personal improvement studies , and attending AA and/or NA meetings each week. The program is not designed to offer medical services.
Who are the residents of HEART?
Services are available to any woman regardless of race, faith or denominational affiliation. We have had residents from as far away as New Jersey and as near as Lavonia. We have had women from all walks of life, young and old. We like to have some contact with a family member or a local church. Some come as a result of court action. We receive calls for help each week. We always have a waiting list.
What are the current facilities?
- 34 acres of land
- A small farmhouse which was renovated for the original program in 1998. It now serves as the residence for the Program Director.
- A 2000 square foot modular home purchased in 1999 serves as office space and a residence for 9 women.
- Two other buildings featuring commercial kitchen facilities, meeting space, and rooms for 18 additional women.
How many people have been served by the program?
As of December 31, 2005, 533 women have been served by the program. Of these, one-third have made proffessions of faith in Jesus Christ. There have been about 175 rededications to Christ. We have an 85% graduation rate.
What are the requirements for admission to the program?
- Since this not a medical facility, residents must have gone through detox before they are accepted. They must be free from certain communicable diseases.
- Sponsorship by a church or family member is highly desirable.
- Residents or their family or sponsor are expected to pay $1,600 as they are able. No one is rejected because of inability to pay.
Persons interested in more information or an initial assessment should contact HEART at (706) 356-3434.
What happens after graduation?
After a sheltered 8 week program, graduates need the help of a caring family and a loving church. We make every attempt to contact the family and a local church asking them to provide support. Some women need the assistance of a half-way house in order to make the transition.