Massachusetts ministry by Anthony

Submitted by chiuoan on Sat, 10/17/2009 - 10:22am.

Global Outreach

Click on the links below for newsletters from Sylvia Anthony who runs Sylvia's Haven in Revere to homeless women, many through crisis pregnancies:

Sylvia Anthony (Sylvia’s Haven):

I am the founder and president of Life for the Little Ones, Inc., a shelter for homeless pregnant women from January 25, 1987 to the end of 1993. I felt that if I could help prevent women from having an abortion and assist them by providing all of the necessities they would need through their ordeal, I would have accomplished something for the Lord. The provision included food, clothing, shelter, assistance in further education, acquiring a job and affordable housing. The length of stay was two years.

In 1994, the board elected to broaden the scope to include all homeless women, including those battered, divorced or any other reason for the homelessness. At this point, the name was changed to Sylvia’s Haven.

In 1997, a property at the former Fort Devens was leased for $1 a year under the McKinney Act. I chose 50 houses, which had been previously occupied by staff sergeants, and the Post Chapel on 20 ½ acres. At this point, all clients and their children were given a townhouse to live in. All donated furnishings, clothing, china, linens, etc., could be taken with them once they had completed their stay. Before they left, they had a job and their own new living quarters to move to completely furnished. Thereby giving them a whole new fresh start without any added expense.

To date, the ministry has sheltered 1005 women and children over a span of over 21 years. All provided by our Heavenly Father for His glory and honor.

Janet’s Story

An email sent February 2007 from a woman who resided at Sylvia’s Haven 1989-1990:
“Sylvia, you were the angel of my life in 1989, when I needed you most. It is one of the deepest regrets I carry with me that I left Lynn/Marblehead to go back to New York, but I was scared and lost and clinging, once again, to a man I thought would save me. On the other hand, I have three gorgeous kids now, so who am I to regret anything that God has turned into a blessing for me. I’m still working on all those things that challenge me and will never give up or give in.

Across all the time and space that separates us, still I am with you, praying for you and believing that I remain in your prayers all these long years later. Be well, Sylvia, and live as long as Methuselah, for there are many more like me who need your unconditional love and your limitless devotion.”

For more info, visit www.sylviashaven.org.