Help Furnish a Safe House for Women

The area’s most unique housewarming

The area’s most unique housewarming won’t be at the house in celebration, and you won’t meet the residents. But you will be glad to take part in this milestone event on Saturday, April 18 at Hampton Inn & Suites Tulsa South/Bixby.

No Stones to Throw Ministries, a non-denominational outreach for women in transition, is hosting the event to open their first safe house. Janet Nusz, president and executive director, is quick to explain that this is not a drug rehab house, not a shelter and not a halfway house. It is a safe haven for women who are committed to turning their lives around once and for all.

Four residents and a house director will eat, sleep, pray, learn and grow together during a unique six-month program that addresses the whole woman – her spiritual, physical, emotional, social, educational and financial needs.

Each day is structured from 6:30 a.m. until 10:30 p.m. with activities that prepare the ladies to reenter society and take good care of themselves with quality jobs.

Some women who seek help come from a life of abuse, neglect or depression. Some made bad choices and became chemically dependent. Some simply fell on hard times. Backgrounds are just as varied, ranging from high school dropouts to college-educated professional women. The one thing they all have in common is a sincere desire to make life-long changes through the Lord.

Strict entrance criteria for the safe house includes a written application, blood testing, interviews and a demonstration of her willingness to be held accountable for her own life. In addition, each woman must have a financial sponsor to provide $200 per month to help defray the cost of her support. Because of safety concerns for everyone involved, the house is at an undisclosed location.

This first safe haven is a dream come true for Janet and the 11 other ladies involved with the ministry. Sylvia Munana, vice president, says there is a special bond between these women.

Call it chance, luck or divine guidance, but last fall all the ladies came together to share what was in their hearts. Each arrived with a different interest, gift or talent. “It is like each woman is a piece of the puzzle, together forming a beautiful picture,” says Sylvia.

“There are no spectators,” adds Janet. “All the women have stepped out and done things they have never done before.” That includes the Enid native who was once homeless herself. Now an administrator at an orthopedic surgery clinic, she is ministering where she came from. Her vision is for this first safe house to become a model for others, in the future forming a small restoration community much like a retirement village.

The housewarming event is intended to provide items to make the house soothing and comfortable. No Stones to Throw is registered at Wal-Mart and Bed, Bath & Beyond for items ranging from $2.50 to $149. Additional needs include new or gently-used patio furniture, an outdoor grill and yard equipment. Any church, corporate or individual assistance is welcome.

Lend a hand and meet the women who are helping others change their lives for the best. The No Stones to Throw housewarming will be Saturday, April 18 from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Hampton Inn & Suites Tulsa South/Bixby, 8220 E. Regal Pl., adjacent to the SpiritBank Event Center.

For more information, contact

No Stones to Throw Ministries

(918) 872-8678

www.nostonestothrow.org