History, Mission, Ministry Statement & Doctrinal Statement
Oaks
of Hebron was founded in 1980 by Steve and Carol Kranz. They felt God's
direction to start homes for persons with developmental disabilities. These
homes would be operated on Christian principles. The first home opened
in July of 1980, second and third homes opened in 1981 and 1982. A fourth
home was added in 1999. Over the years community based services have shifted
to a more independent focus. Today our Supported Living program is the
foundation of our ministry. Our licensed homes today serve 8 adult men
and women. Since 1982 God has continued to grow Oaks of Hebron to better
meet the needs of people with disabilities.
Highlights over the years include:
-
In 1985 we began to share the spiritual needs of people with developmental
disabilities with the Christian community.
- In 1985 we began to share
the spiritual needs of people with developmental disabilities with the
Christian community.
- In 1987 we began to explore new residential options
in additions to licensed group homes.
- In 1991 we began to provide leadership
on the Board of the Christian Council on Persons with Disabilities (CCPD).
- In
1992 we participated in a Federal pilot program for Community Supported
Living Arrangements.
- In 1993 we converted a group home to become a Residential
Care Facility for the Elderly with developmental disabilities.
- In 1994
we began services for teens and young adults with developmental disabilities.
- In 1998 our Supported Living program expanded to become the largest
of our programs.
- In 1999 Appletree House in Santa Rosa was opened as
a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly.
- In 2007 we began an Adult Development Day Progam by the name Growing
Together which gives adults the opportunity to participate in vegetable
and flower gardening on a 1 acre farm
Mission
Oaks of Hebron Incorporated exists
to honor and glorify our
Lord Jesus Christ
by providing residential services
to persons with
developmental disabilities
and impacting their community with
spiritual leadership and training.
Ministry Statement
We believe that individuals with developmental disabilities:
- are not eternal children, consequently they are not exempt from
the need to come to a complete knowledge of Jesus Christ and enter into
a personal relationship with Him. (Matthew 18:11-14), 28:18-20, John
10:9)
- are made in the image of Christ and only through the power of
the Holy Spirit can they understand and accept their worth in Him. (Genesis
1:26-28, Psalms 100:3 & 139)
- need opportunities to know and use
their spiritual gifts in the church. (1 Corinthians 12, Ehesians 4:1-16,
1 Peter 4:10)
- must be respected and given the opportunity to participate
in activities while at home, at work, in the community, and while at
worship.
- are endowed with a free will; therefore services should be
designed that encourage informed choice as to where they live, work,
recreate, and worship.
- deserve quality services that promote full physical,
mental, emotional and spiritual maturity.
- deserve services that promote
the following characteristics:
- environments where individuals are free to share and express their
feelings; concerns, ideas, and dreams without the fear of rejection,
humiliation, and/or retribution;
- freedom from fear of physical,
psychological, sexual or fiduciary abuse;
- where individual needs
are important;
- atmospheres where privileges and responsibilities
are shared;
- continual development toward their preferred level of
autonomy and a high quality of life;
- a place for unconditional love
and acceptance.
- are integral members
of their family units.
We believe it is the responsibility of Oaks of Hebron to:
- develop and promote only those services which emulate the overall
intent and mission of the organization.
- care for the complete person
through word and deed.
- advocate for the legal human and spiritual needs
of those with developmental disabilities in their community.
- instruct,
assist and encourage individuals to access social, recreational, and
living options of their choice.
- offer opportunities to evangelize and
disciple all individuals.
- encourage responsible behaviors in all those
served.
- educate and exhort the church to include those with developmental
disabilities in all worship experiences, Christian fellowship and service
opportunities.
- create, maintain and evaluate services in order to promote
the individuals human and spiritual growth.
- use only those methods
that are legal and do not transcend Biblical guidelines to change human
behavior.
- assist families with a developmentally disabled member to
find and access the support and services they need.
Doctrinal Statement
- We believe the Holy Bible to be the divinely inspired, infallible
revelation of God. As such it is our basis for our faith and standard
of living. (2 Timothy 3:15-17).
- We believe in a triune Godhead, that is: God the Father; God the Son,
Jesus; and God the Holy Spirit. (John 10:29-30).
- We believe in the diety of Jesus Christ, that He is totally and wholly
God, and that He came to earth in the form of a man, though He never
sinned. (John 1:1-3; Hebrews 1:1-4).
- We believe that man is inherently sinful and deserves death as a result;
he can do nothing to save himself. We believe that Jesus Christ died
for our sins and offers salvation by grace through faith to all who will
confess of their sins and accept Him as Savior and Lord. (Romans 3:23;
John 3:16; Romans 10:9; Ephesians 2:3,9).
- We believe that we are then commanded by our Lord to share the truth
of the gospel with others, encourage others, as well as ourselves, to
grow into a more Christ-like character and walk in love toward those
around us. (Matthew 28:18-20; 1 John 3:16-19; Hebrews 19:23-25).