The Meaning of Names: A message from Ron, CEO

Do you know the meaning of your name? Maybe your parents picked it because of the meaning, or maybe because they just really liked it.

Our name, Pine Haven Christian Home, was chosen way back in 1950 because it had meaning. In fact, each word of that name has meaning.

The first word “Pine” was chosen because of the 37.5 original acres that were purchased on Giddings Avenue, 10 acres were virgin pine woods. Wouldn’t it be wonderful today if we still had those 10 acres?!

The word “Haven” was chosen because of what haven represents. Haven means safety or refuge. Our mission statement says we will provide a safe haven and people come to live at Pine Haven with the expectation that they will be safe.

The word “Christian” in our name is one of great importance. We are called by God to serve in His mission for His honor and Glory and for the benefit of the people that he loves so dearly. That calling to serve means we strive to serve as Christ would – with love, compassion, kindness, mercy, justice, trust, patience, and forgiveness. We know we will never do that perfectly, but we are committed to doing our best.

The last word in our name is Home. What do you think of when you hear the word Home? Home for me conjures up thoughts of emotional warmth and feeling surrounded by love.

Names have meaning. Most often we shorten our name to “Pine Haven”, but let us never forget that we are a Christian Home.

--Ron Walvoort, Chief Executive Officer