Rockhaven News:

January 2005

Dear Friends

We are writing to share with you our love for, and our ongoing journey in caring for, the sacred place we call Rockhaven ….

The good news: we are beginning a spring sabbatical program in just a few days, the center remains viable (thanks to you) and we will be launching a whole new calendar of weekend programs soon.

Financially, we continue to get by, thanks to the careful fiscal management by Jan, and we (of course) struggle. As many of you know, in June the community here at Rockhaven celebrated its one year anniversary of re-forming Rockhaven . Last year, we formed a not-for-profit organization and we secured a mortgage from a local bank. Since that time, we have been working as volunteer staff, working for love, not money, and we have appealed to the broader community for their help from time to time.

The response has been heart-warming: some faculty (including Tobias) have volunteered their time, and many who believe in the mission of Rockhaven have helped us financially, spiritually, and often have come to help us with the work. In the process, we have created a holistic earth spirituality-centered community which gives us and those who join us great hope. We believe that our living a sustainable, transformational and spirit-filled life, in the community we are creating at Rockhaven, offers an alternative vision of hope.

Yet, we face ongoing real-world challenges that require the continued dedication and support of a broader community. Among these challenges:

Sabbatical Program Attendance
The Rockhaven programs have been centered on women religious internationally. This past year, many women who wanted to come to Rockhaven could not because they couldn’t obtain a Visa. (It seems that the US Department of Homeland Security is issuing very few visas these days.) Also, there are fewer women religious in the United States and many no longer can afford a long sabbatical . We need a minimum of 7 people enrolled in each of our programs to cover our costs if we are to eventually pay any of our staff (this spring we have 6).

Mortgage and Insurance
Rockhaven has a $300,000 mortgage on the land and buildings. We pay $2300 per month for the mortgage itself and another $900 per month for the required insurance. We also pay roughly $400 per month minimum for all utilities . Even with 100% volunteer staff and carefully watching expenses, this run-rate of $3600 per month for these items is formidable.

Aging Buildings
The Rockhaven Buildings are now over 50 years old and require significant maintenance and repair. We estimate that the monthly maintenance bill is and additional $500 to $1000 per month, depending upon what breaks. We perform much of the maintenance ourselves, but must bring in professionals from time to time.

In prayer and we have decided to take the following actions:

(1) The on-site volunteers have gradually become Rockhaven Community. This has evolved while working to live sustainably in keeping with the spiritual principles of Rockhaven. The community is an open one, inviting others in as they enter their sabbaticals or are in transition. (The program input remains largely the same) Community participants must contribute to the community in some way, either financially, and/or by volunteering on-site, or both.

(2) Because our most attended programs have been on weekends, we have decided that when Renewal Program attendance drops below 7 for any one sabbatical, we will open the workshops to additional attendees by offering some of the content on weekends. This opens the programs to women who might not otherwise have the chance to attend and helps Rockhaven cover its costs.

(3) We are asking YOU, our friends, for specific help. What can you do?

Consider volunteering. The Rockhaven Volunteer corps (that is ALL of us!) have specific roles in keeping the place up and running. You can come regularly… or offer a week, a month, two or three to Rockhaven Community as your time permits. Those who have done this find it to be truly life-giving. Contact jan@rockhavencenter.org if this appeals to you.

Consider regular financial support or a one-time donation. Regular monthly income is vital to Rockhaven’s survival. For example, if 100 people believe enough in this place to pledge $50 per month, then Rockhaven can stay open for many years to come. Click here for a pledge form.

Help find and apply for grants. Rockhaven received 3 major grants this past year which were vital to her survival. Religious communities offer grants for eco-spiritual programs, programs empowering women and Earth Care (energy efficiency, organic gardening etc). Contact denise@rockhavencenter.org if you are willing to offer your help here.

Endowment. If we could only repay the $300,000 mortgage… Perhaps there is a community that would like to take over for our bank and a better interest rate and lower insurance requirements? This is a big prayer we are offering to the Universe….

Attend Programs. We, the community at Rockhaven, believe in the programs offered here so much that we attend them ourselves. They bring us to transformation, to empowerment and help us find our direction, our hope and joy. We believe in the transformational power of the Divine and are convinced that you will find respite here in this sacred place we call Rockhaven. Come, join us!

Prayer. We ask for your support in prayer as we continue our mission here at Rockhaven. We believe it is a worthy one, and related to the reemergence of the feminine in our world. Our mission: we create an environment and programs which support and nourish the Great Human Spirit in its quest for personal transformation. We believe this transformation is key to righting relationships with the whole of creation. Our values of honoring the Sacred, of hospitality, community and nourishment, of the power of feminine circle and of transformation, sustain us in community and in our work and play together.

We are so grateful to be engaged in this community and in this ministry and for the love and support of our friends. Please help us keep Rockhaven alive!

In Earth’s Blessings,

The Rockhaven Community: Jan, Diza and Denise