Published: October 08, 2008 01:38 pm            

Healing Haven, a peaceful get-away

Families who have members facing life-threatening illnesses, or who are trying to recover from severe emotional trauma, will soon have a retreat to meet their needs.

Health, Healing and Hope, a 501C3 not-for-profit organization, is currently remodeling a rustic country retreat they’re calling “Healing Haven” outside Eustace.

Donita Wiggins, a longtime counselor from Coffeyville, and her business partner, Joan Vandergriff are fulfilling a dream with the project.

“This is my lifelong passion,” said Wiggins recently.

The home is located at 6990 County Road 2812.

Whose eligible to stay at Healing Haven?

Potential guests must have been medically diagnosed.

“This is your place to find solace, healing and restoration,” the organization’s brochure says. “This is your get-away” home away from home, created just for those needing some “healing time.”

Amenities?

“A secluded, quiet, lakefront cabin where the birds sing you awake, the sun kisses the lake good morning, the woods beckon you and the fish jump on your hook.”

Even if they don’t, there’s a 40-foot by 10 foot wide deck with hammocks, swings and deck chairs to look out at the oak trees.

“We believe in our body’s amazing ability to heal and are committed to providing the perfect environment for our spirit, soul and body to heal, restore and renew,” the enthusiastic brochure says.

Wiggins says their mission is to bring comfort, joy and hope to every family visiting, enabling them to renew their spirits mentally and physically and to provide “strength for their journey.”

The location has over 200 feet of Cedar Creek Lake frontage.

There are walking trails in the pines and lots of East Texas vegetation.

The house itself is still a few months from completion. All of the interior walls have been torn out, and the floor is being redone.

When it’s finished the cabin will feature a vaulted ceiling with log beams.

For those bringing family members with them, one bedroom will be equipped with a train depot for “children” three to 93 that will run on tracks around the room.

Tee Pee in the Indian bedroom.

Another bedroom features a hayloft decor.

It’s all intended to provide a rustic look with all the modern comforts.

And there’s also a private chapel, for quiet moments.

All in all, it’s been an expensive proposition.

Wiggins figures the partners have put about $250,000 of their own money into the project, and they may need to spend that much more.

So Wiggins is telling her story at local civic clubs and seeking donations.

Vandergriff has a nutrition business in Colleyville, and Wiggins, who has a master’s degree in counseling, has worked with Vandergriff for the last 28 years.

Those two take care of the body and the mind.

For spiritual needs, the group draws from “House of Prayer” minister in Haltom City named Dathan Wedel.

“Our goal is in helping them create joyful, forever family memories in a relaxing, healing atmosphere, Wiggins said.

The organization has lots of ideas for donations for those interested in helping.

“The Walk to Remember” , for instance, will be a place a person can actually have a person’s name etched in stone for $250.

For more information, call 903-425-4327, or 817-247-1503.

Those interested can also go to one of two web pages:

Hhealingandhope@aol.com or www.healthhealingandhope.com.

        

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