Throughout the year, thousands of patients facing serious medical emergencies and their families journey to Indianapolis from all corners of the state and beyond, seeking critical medical care at the state’s most renowned hospitals. This voyage marks some of the darkest hours a family can live through, bringing uncertainty and fear regarding their loved one’s medical treatment.
As these patients and their families confront their battles against serious illnesses, Fair Haven, an Indianapolis nonprofit near the downtown area, offers a sanctuary and true home away from home, where they can find solace and meaningful support. Named after a Mediterranean island whose name translates to “Fair Havens,” the organization’s mission embodies a spirit of shelter and solace, striving to share the love of Christ through gracious hospitality and compassionate support.
Amanda Milner, who is not only the founder of Fair Haven, but also a cancer survivor and the heart and soul of the organization, found a way to harness the pain that her own cancer diagnosis brought, and used it as a catalyst for building a foundation and literal house for healing. At the age of 30, Milner faced her toughest battle, and despite the overwhelming odds, she experienced an outpouring of support from friends, church members and neighbors. They helped her manage her children, provided meals, assisted with household chores and helped carry her through the darkness. She states that it was through these acts of kindness and her belief in the unwavering presence of Jesus as her refuge that her faith deepened, and her resolve solidified. Her experience became the bedrock upon which Fair Haven was built. The foundation is built upon being not only a comfortable place to stay, but also a compassionate embrace in the midst of life’s storms.
“The story of my recovery and Fair Haven in general is a story of real redemption, and of God’s support in the midst of a storm,” Milner says.
Located in close proximity to major medical facilities, Fair Haven ensures that patients and their families have a comfortable, convenient place to stay, alleviating some of the burdens that come with traveling far from home for treatment. The organization’s impact is profound. For many families, the comfort of a home-like environment, coupled with the support of a caring community, makes a world of difference during a critical time. The Fair Haven team, comprised of board members, staff and volunteers, shares a common passion for service and a deep commitment to shining the light of Christ’s love during these sacred windows in people’s lives.
Milner’s role as both founder, advocate and executive director is central to Fair Haven’s mission. Her fundamental gift of empathy, which comes from her own personal experience, infuses every aspect of the organization. Understanding firsthand the emotional and logistical hurdles faced by patients and their families, Milner channels her experiences into providing the kind of support that she once received.[Text Wrapping Break]
“Now it is a privilege for me to serve other patients and families in the midst of a storm by providing housing and compassionate support – the very gifts He once gave to me,” Milner says.
Each day the organization fulfills its mission by bringing comfort and hope to those in need, embodying the essence of its namesake island, as a safe harbor in the midst of life’s most turbulent storms. Part of this task includes raising financial support to keep the gift of hospitality going. For the 12th consecutive year, Fair Haven will be hosting an annual Parisian Market fundraiser. At this special community event, shoppers gather to browse through a vast collection of upscale home accessories, furniture, estate jewelry, and gift items. The market has not only been a popular and successful annual fundraiser, but it has also introduced thousands of people in the Indianapolis community to the mission of Fair Haven.
This year Fair Haven will be hosting its Parisian Market fundraiser at Glendale Town Center. It opens up for shoppers during a Shop First event on October 3 at 6 p.m. for those supporting by purchasing a ticket to the event. The market’s general hours will run between Friday, October 4 and Saturday, October 5, opening at 9 a.m. and closing at 4 p.m. daily.
The market’s community impact and exposure has grown into a celebrated annual event that local Indianapolis residents attend. Fair Haven celebrates a lifelong attendance of over 5,000 shoppers, and the organization has had over 25,000 volunteer hours served, which, according to Fair Haven, is equivalent to around $620,000 in donated hours, proving how strong the community support is and how meaningful the fundraiser is to so many people. Fair Haven has been able to raise roughly $900,000, which goes directly to serving the future people seeking refuge through Fair Haven’s hospitality.
As the sun sets over the Glendale Town Center and the final shoppers depart, the enduring spirit of Fair Haven’s mission will continue to shine brightly, reminding everyone that even in the darkest of storms, hope and community can create a beacon of light.
