HVMI looks back and ahead after 50 years of ministry

HVMI (Handi-vangelism Ministries International) experienced two exciting events in September. First, the organization moved from its offices in Ephrata to a new building at 3261 Rothsville Road, Akron, built on land the ministry has owned since 2017. Then, about two weeks later, the ministry celebrated 50 years of serving individuals with disabilities with a birthday party held in that same building.

"The birthday party was a way to get people with disabilities and their families involved in the celebration," said Kyle Robinson, executive director of HVMI. "We had music, refreshments, and sang 'Happy Birthday.'"

On Oct. 14, the organization held a 50th anniversary luncheon, which included a presentation and fashions linked to each decade the ministry has existed. Tim Sheetz, who founded the ministry with his wife, Kathy, and now serves as ministry ambassador, was tasked with dressing up in 1970s fashions and talking about the roots of the organization. Prior to founding HVMI in 1973, the couple spent more than six years at a camp and residential program for people with disabilities in New York state. "We got on-the-job training," said Tim, who added that God then moved the ministry to partner with BCM International until 2004.

Robinson explained that HVMI is now the umbrella ministry over three departments: disability, grief, and training. The disability ministry includes the summer day camps. The grief ministry is BASIS, a Christian support group for grieving parents, and the training program encompasses disability training, grief training, and outreaches involving abuse and mental health.

In addition to offices, the new building boasts rooms to hold support groups and Bible clubs and offer outreaches and training. But it is the plans for the rest of the Akron property, a former golf course, that are beginning to come to fruition that will allow HVMI to offer overnight camp. "We have held day camp here," said Robinson, who noted the number of campers doubled in the three years the six-week summer program has been held at the site. Robinson described the layout of the proposed facilities. "Across the creek, we will have a multipurpose building," he said, noting that a portico would allow for easy entrance to the main part of the building, where a chapel, Bible classrooms, training rooms, and a large meeting room will be located. Entrance to the lower level will also be easily accessible from the back of the building where the dining hall and kitchen will be located. A second building behind the main one will provide dorm-style living with smaller rooms for campers with medical needs and staff members, meeting rooms, and an infirmary to make overnight camp available in the future. Outside, a pool, pavilion, and playground are planned. Already, carefully graded handicapped-accessible walkways traverse the hillside. "There will be more of those (pathways) so that someone with limited mobility can go out with confidence and get where they need to go," said Robinson, who described how access to the pond has already allowed day campers to catch fish. "There are a million things at camp they experience that they don't get to do normally, but fishing is definitely a highlight," he said.

More information about HVMI may be found at http://www.hvmi.org or by calling 717-859-4777.