Get to know Rose Rose

Rose Rose began working at Haven of Rest Ministries as a volunteer. It was a journey of faith from the start.

After her husband was injured on the job, Rose and her young family were helped by “the kindness of anonymous people who prayed.” These people cared, did what they could, and helped her family through a very tough time.

Having survived the financial storm, Rose decided she wanted to give back in some way if she could. Within a week or two of that decision, the Rev. Curt Thomas came and spoke at her church about the Haven.

After getting to know Rose as a volunteer, Thomas asked her to consider going on payroll as Food Service Manager. Unsure of whether she could handle the job, she agreed to “try it for three months.” That was 24 years ago.

Immediately, Rose began networking and taking culinary classes in a quest to add structure to the food service program while adding more economical, nutritious selections to its menu. Believing that presentation is important, she adapted recipes from Bon Appetit magazine, looking for ways to use procurements more creatively and present entrees more attractively. Rose says she wanted the Haven’s meals to demonstrate to discouraged and hurting people that someone cares and that they are very valuable and to God.

Before long, Thomas began asking Rose to speak at fundraising banquets and Women’s Auxiliary meetings about meals at the mission. “It’s a miracle that I can speak in public,” Rose says. “All through school, I was totally terrified to speak to more than a couple people at a time.”

Then, 11 years ago, Thomas asked Rose to join the newly created development department in the area of community relations. Now, Rose gives tours and talks, is the radio voice of the Haven promoting special programs and events, and works with churches, major donors and the media in a seven-county area.

These days, the woman with the friendly smile and the generous heart has found great purpose and fulfillment finding new “friends and funds” for a ministry she loves. “God enabled me to do this because this is where he wanted me,” Rose explains, “and I am most grateful that I have allowed myself to trust him.”