Haven of Hope for sick kids

NEWTON — The Haven of Hope for Kids provides a unique respite program for urban, lower income New Jersey families with a child with a life-limiting illness. The program, operated by St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Hope, offered a country respite to 11 families over the past summer. Condit's Toyota World of Newton loaned a seven-passenger van to transport the families from their city environment to Hope, where the Haven of Hope for Kids is located, so they could enjoy the parks, lakes, sights and activities in the area. "We were really pleased to help Rev. Potter with this unique program," said Chris Dexter, general manager of the dealership. According to Rev. Potter, the children enjoyed the simplest things most, like going to a lake and catching a fish, watching the stars from high atop Jenny Jump Mountain, or taking a tethered ride on a horse. The goal of Haven of Hope for Kids is to reduce fear, anxiety and the depression that often accompanies serious illnesses, and to offer this reprieve for additional months of the year. The haven is seeking volunteers to act as escorts to the families. For more information, visit havenofhopeforkids.org.