The formal relationship between Heart Havens, Inc. and the VCUMC was established in 1996 when the Conference authorized the creation of the not-for-profit organization in accordance with 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as amended, the Commonwealth of Virginia State Corporation Commission, and the Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church. Heart Havens operated under the umbrella of the tax exempt certificate held by the Conference until it sought its own tax-exempt authorization in 2002. On April 24, 2003, in a written ruling issued by the Internal Revenue Service, Heart Havens began operating independently with its own exemption under section 501 (a) of the Internal Revenue Code as an organization described in section 501 (c) (3).

Heart Havens is licensed by the Virginia Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services and is an approved Medicaid provider. It now operates independently from the VCUMC under the direction of a Board of Directors. However, the Christian principles of its mission are very much in place.

As of February 2004, nine (9) homes are in operation: Virginia Beach, Powhatan, Kilmarnock, Colonial Beach, Stuarts Draft, Richmond, Winchester, Norfolk, and Lynchburg. All of the homes currently house between four and five residents of any faith, race, age, and gender, who are fully supervised at all times with dedicated and experienced shift staff.

All future homes will house at least five (5) residents.

The growth of Heart Havens, Inc has been overwhelming since the Conference approved the ministry and in the five short years since the first home opened in January 1999. Heart Havens, with the assistance of the UMM of the Peninsula District, broke ground on a new home in Newport News on Saturday June 10th, 2006. Also this year, we will start to build a new home in Goochland.

A Video/DVD that tells the Heart Havens story has been developed and is available for use. Contact Heart Havens to receive a copy.

Prospective employees will receive consideration without discrimination based on race, creed, color, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, marital status, disability, handicap, sexual orientation, citizenship status or any condition prescribed by state or local law.