Where is the facility located?
HEART Ministry is located on 34 acres just outside Lavonia, Georgia. From I-85, take Exit 173 and turn right toward Lavonia on Highway 17. Turn onto Bear Creek Road at the Northeast Georgia Bank and go one mile.

How did H.E.A.R.T. Ministry begin?

In 1995, two brothers, Scut and Guy Mauldin donated 34 acres of land for the purpose of starting a Christian based recovery program for women addicted to alcohol and/or drugs. Title to the land was accepted by the Tugalo Baptist Association and a Board of Directors was selected. The program began November 1, 1998, when a farmhouse on the property was renovated, and Jane Sheldon was called as Program Director. The Facilities were expanded with the addition of a 2000 sq. ft. modular home, a 3500 sq. ft. and a 7000 sq. ft. dorm.

Who sponsors HEART Ministry:

HEART Ministry is incorporated under the laws of the state of Georgia. It is under the sponsorship of the Tugalo Baptist Association, the Georgia Baptist Convention and the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention.

How is the ministry funded?

H.E.A.R.T. Ministry, Inc. is a non-profit, tax exempt ministry. The GBC and the NAMB partially fund the salary of the Program Director. All other funding comes from Tugalo Baptist Association, church budgets, classes, clubs, individuals, foundations and resident fees.

Who is responsible for the operation of H.E.A.R.T.?

The ministry is controlled by a Board of Directors made up of Christian men and women. The Board meets quarterly to oversee the business of H.E.A.R.T. The day-to-day operation is under the direction of Jane Sheldon, Program Director.

What type of program is offered?

Women live at H.E.A.R.T. for 8 weeks. They are offered an atmosphere of Christian love and acceptance. While at H.E.A.R.T., the residents participate in group and individual counseling. They learn the 12-Step recovery principles with an emphasis on God as the hope for their recovery. They learn that only a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is the ultimate answer to their problems. There is strong emphasis on Bible study and personal devotion. They attend worship services and Bible study at a local church. Other activities include work assignments, personal improvement studies, and attending AA and/or NA meetings each week. The program is not designed to offer medical services.

Who are the residents of H.E.A.R.T.?

Services are available to any woman regardless of race, faith or denominational affiliation. We have had residents from as far away as California and as near as Lavonia. We have had women from all walks of life, young and old. We like to have some contact with a family member or a local church. Some come as a result of court action. We receive calls for help each week. We always have a waiting list.

What are the current facilities?

 - 34 acres of land.

 - A small farmhouse which was renovated for the original program in 1998. It now serves as residence for the Program Director.

 - A 2000 square foot modular home purchased in 1999 serves as office space and a residence for 9 women.

 - Two other buildings featuring commercial kitchen facilities, meeting space, and rooms for eighteen additional women.

What are the requirements for admission to the program?

Since this is not a medical facility, residents must have gone through de-tox before they are accepted. They must be free from certain communicable diseases.

Sponsorship by a church or family member is highly desirable.

Residents or their family or sponsor are expected to pay $1600 as they are able. The fee is preferred upon intake.  Payment plans may be available.

Persons interested in more information or an initial assessment should contact H.E.A.R.T. at 706-356-3434.

How can I help?

First of all, we need your prayers. We want 1000 people to pray daily for H.E.A.R.T. Ministry.

Also consider making a contribution to the ministry. All contributions are tax-deductible under 501 © (3) of the IRS code.