Heart Havens was established by the Virginia Conference in 1996, opened its first home in 1999 and became a 501(c)3 in 2003. From concept to reality. The Heart Havens’ journey is one filled with listening, learning, and love.

The Heart Havens story starts in 1994 with a passionate and committed pastor who received a call while working at the Virginia United Methodist Conference. Reverend Art Woltz received a call from a mother in the Lynchburg area who asked him, “Does the United Methodist Church have a place for my child when I die?” The answer was no and this haunted Rev. Woltz who decided to take action.

What happened next was a collaboration across the Virginia United Methodist conference from Pastors and church members to Conference leaders and United Methodist Men and Women. Throughout its journey, Heart Havens has been buoyed by invaluable support from various people and organizations that share in its mission.  Community support and input has been invaluable to Heart Havens all along the way.

Timeline of Events