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By Colette M. Jenkins
Beacon Journal religion writer
POSTED: 10:40 a.m. EDT, Oct 30, 2009
The Rev. Ben Walker will retire as executive director of Haven of Rest effective Dec. 31, 2010.
Walker, 65, announced his retirement to staff on Thursday afternoon. He has led the faith-based rescue mission, which provides food, shelter and drug rehabilitation for the needy and the homeless, since July 2003.
''I just feel like it is time for me to retire. I've been in ministry for more than 30 years and Haven of Rest is in good shape with a strong and capable staff,'' Walker said. ''By making the announcement now, the board will have time to select a new executive director and make for a smooth transition in leadership, giving the new executive director and myself time to work together.''
Walker, of Canal Fulton, is the first executive director who is not a member of the founding family. He succeeded the Rev. Curt Thomas, who served as executive director for 27 years before retiring in 2003. Thomas' parents, the Rev. C.C. and Marjorie Thomas, founded Haven of Rest in 1943.
''Rev. Ben Walker has been a tremendous asset to Haven of Rest Ministries,'' said the Rev. Curt Thomas, a member of the board of trustees and executive director emeritus. ''He has a heart for ministry and we appreciate everything he has done.''
Walker joined the Haven of Rest staff in 1987 as administrator of the men's division, where he was instrumental in developing a rehabilitation program and client services program for homeless, indigent and chemically dependent men. He served as director of operations from 1994 until he was named executive director.
Before preparing for full-time Christian ministry, Walker worked as an industrial engineer. He earned his undergraduate degree in theology at William Tyndale College in Farmington Hills, Mich.
Walker is a member of the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions and past president of its mideast district. He has served on various committees dealing with homelessness and urban issues. He is on the community benefit committee of the Summa Foundation board. The foundation supports patient care, medical education and research via philanthropy for the Summa Health System.
He has received various awards for his service with the needy and the homeless, including the 2006 Harold K. Stubbs Award. The Stubbs humanitarian awards recognize individuals for their achievements in the areas of business, education, government, law, politics, religion and social concerns.
''It has been an honor to serve the Lord and the greater Akron community through my ministry at Haven of Rest,'' Walker said. ''The partnership of individuals, churches, businesses, and the community as a whole has never ceased to amaze me with the concern and compassion they have for homeless and hurting people.''
A committee has been formed to select a successor for Walker, who plans to continue his involvement with the mission after he retires.
Over the years, Haven of Rest has grown into the largest private social service agency in Akron. It provides a variety of programs and services to the area's needy and homeless population. Its current annual operating budget exceeds $7.5 million. The mission, located at 175 E. Market St., has a staff of 86 employees and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
''We, as a Board of Trustees, are grateful for Rev. Walker's leadership of the ministry these last six and a half years. His love for the men, women, and children we serve at Haven of Rest is evident by his commitment to the work,'' said Mike Kura, board president. ''He has carried on the tradition of excellence in the ministry as he served and honored God through his leadership in all areas including client services, financial stewardship, and community relations.
Colette Jenkins can be reached at 330-996-3731 or cjenkins@thebeaconjournal.com.
The Rev. Ben Walker will retire as executive director of Haven of Rest effective Dec. 31, 2010.
Walker, 65, announced his retirement to staff on Thursday afternoon. He has led the faith-based rescue mission, which provides food, shelter and drug rehabilitation for the needy and the homeless, since July 2003.
''I just feel like it is time for me to retire. I've been in ministry for more than 30 years and Haven of Rest is in good shape with a strong and capable staff,'' Walker said. ''By making the announcement now, the board will have time to select a new executive director and make for a smooth transition in leadership, giving the new executive director and myself time to work together.''
Walker, of Canal Fulton, is the first executive director who is not a member of the founding family. He succeeded the Rev. Curt Thomas, who served as executive director for 27 years before retiring in 2003. Thomas' parents, the Rev. C.C. and Marjorie Thomas, founded Haven of Rest in 1943.
''Rev. Ben Walker has been a tremendous asset to Haven of Rest Ministries,'' said the Rev. Curt Thomas, a member of the board of trustees and executive director emeritus. ''He has a heart for ministry and we appreciate everything he has done.''
Walker joined the Haven of Rest staff in 1987 as administrator of the men's division, where he was instrumental in developing a rehabilitation program and client services program for homeless, indigent and chemically dependent men. He served as director of operations from 1994 until he was named executive director.
Before preparing for full-time Christian ministry, Walker worked as an industrial engineer. He earned his undergraduate degree in theology at William Tyndale College in Farmington Hills, Mich.
Walker is a member of the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions and past president of its mideast district. He has served on various committees dealing with homelessness and urban issues. He is on the community benefit committee of the Summa Foundation board. The foundation supports patient care, medical education and research via philanthropy for the Summa Health System.
He has received various awards for his service with the needy and the homeless, including the 2006 Harold K. Stubbs Award. The Stubbs humanitarian awards recognize individuals for their achievements in the areas of business, education, government, law, politics, religion and social concerns.
''It has been an honor to serve the Lord and the greater Akron community through my ministry at Haven of Rest,'' Walker said. ''The partnership of individuals, churches, businesses, and the community as a whole has never ceased to amaze me with the concern and compassion they have for homeless and hurting people.''
A committee has been formed to select a successor for Walker, who plans to continue his involvement with the mission after he retires.
Over the years, Haven of Rest has grown into the largest private social service agency in Akron. It provides a variety of programs and services to the area's needy and homeless population. Its current annual operating budget exceeds $7.5 million. The mission, located at 175 E. Market St., has a staff of 86 employees and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
''We, as a Board of Trustees, are grateful for Rev. Walker's leadership of the ministry these last six and a half years. His love for the men, women, and children we serve at Haven of Rest is evident by his commitment to the work,'' said Mike Kura, board president. ''He has carried on the tradition of excellence in the ministry as he served and honored God through his leadership in all areas including client services, financial stewardship, and community relations.
Colette Jenkins can be reached at 330-996-3731 or cjenkins@thebeaconjournal.com.
Comments
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Akron, Oh
Posted 11:16 AM, 10/30/2009
A fine organization that I have donated to for over 13 years. The Rev. will be missed.
Norton, OH
Posted 11:43 AM, 10/30/2009
Social Service Agency? If this church is a religious organization, in the real sense, then it has always been tax exempt. I for am tired of "Freeloaders" who know about God but do not know God. In my book God is real but was never mortal.
