A Second Chance
“This place is a lighthouse that draws people to safety.”
This is what Dan Close came to believe about Soul Restoration Ministries, a non-profit ministry that provides a safe house for women who are in therapy, are recovering from trauma and need a safe place to stay and strengthen.
Close and his wife live full-time as hosts and caretakers at the Restoration House, which the ministry recently opened in Vancouver, Washington. The ministry uses professionals and advocate volunteers, donations, community support, client participation, and personal resources to accomplish its vision.
The renovation of the Restoration House began in February of 2017. It opened its doors to women in need in March of 2017. So far, the Restoration House has had a total of ten residents.
“This has been a dream of ours for about ten years and about four years ago is when we became a non-profit… That’s when God told us to start using what we have in our hands,” said Carla Ashton, vice president of Soul Restoration Ministries.
Once the project got started, it came together very quickly.
“I knew that when this was going to happen, that it would go really fast, I just didn't know it was coming so soon,” said Kris Close, the wife of Dan Close. “God has put all theses little pieces together in amazing ways.”
Ashton, the vice president, said The Restoration House was created with pocket funds and donations, including new beds and couches and gardening equipment.
“The Restoration House was built from donated resources,” Ashton said. “Once we found the house, everyone started donating stuff. We had somebody, the day after we found the house, donate six brand new twin beds.”
There are five guest rooms: the Garden Joy Room, the Pink Paris Room, the Beach Solitude Room, the Vintage Comfort Room, and the Hope Haven Room, all themed differently to pose as different therapeutic environments. There is also a living and group support room, a community dining room, a game room, a library, two outdoor patios, and an art therapy studio. There is also a backyard garden with a swing and vegetable garden.
Applicants who wish to stay at the Restoration House must consult and be approved by a therapist and state that they are safe. Since the ministry is a non-profit, a $25 donation is requested per night, but not mandatory. Guests can stay anywhere from one day to two months and can leave for the day as long as they sign out.
Visitors are allowed to visit the women who stay at the home once they are cleared, and can participate in any house activity and/or support times. No men or children are allowed on the property other than three approved men (including Dan Close, the house facilitator, and two board members) who all have been introduced to the residents.
“This home is a safe place for all,” said Sharon Murry, a Restoration House representative.
The facility also features two therapy dogs, Dusty and Ginger.
A weekly gathering at the Restoration House is a Sunday worship service. During this time, there is no specific topic discussed, but those participating in the service can share about their week.
The purpose of the service is to provide the participants a place to pray, worship, and find fellowship in a safe place. Some people participate by singing, while others stay quiet. Dan Close brings his guitar and plays for everyone. During the service on June 11th, many people sang along and raised their hands in praise.
After an hour and a half of fellowship and worship, Carla Ashton, the vice-president of the ministries, and Kris and Dan Close went outside to continue gardening. A local supporter of the restoration house had donated a lawn swing that needed to be installed. Carla Ashton and Dan Close filled a spot with gravel and installed the swing.
“I never want to take for granted what God has done here,” said Kris Close.
Those interested in supporting the women’s safe house can join Soul Restoration Ministries on June 24th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a BBQ. Tours will be available and volunteers can help in the garden. The organization will also be accepting donations of bags of soil, pots, hanging baskets, seeds, plants/flowers, or other yard decorating gifts to help make the garden a place for the women to enjoy and find peace in.
