The Community Haven is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that was established in 2017. The area in which Community Haven resides is known as "Bushtown". Bushtown was the first black incorporated township in all of America.
The mission of the Community Haven is to change lives through job training, leadership, youth and family outreach, small business entrepreneurship and community initiatives.
Founder and President, Kevin Muhammad, a Chattanooga native; grew up on the Westside of town, a Baylor graduate who earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from UTC. He is the former Youth Director at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church and former Boys Club employee and volunteer at the Carver Recreation Center who has spent a majority of his adult life mentoring youth. Kevin is a member and local Student Helper in the Nation of Islam. With his leadership, business acumen and passion for the community, Mr. Muhammad serves as the Executive Director for the Community Haven. As Executive Director, Mr. Muhammad is a visionary and goal oriented leaders, is responsible for overseeing day-to-day activities, improving performance, developing organizational culture, supervising heads of departments, reporting on revenue, and directing organizational strategy, supervises the administration of the partnering programs, oversees workforce development, and oversees the grant compliance and document the implementation of the community phases/projects.
The Community Haven has formed a partnership with the City of Chattanooga to develop and implement a community patrol program focused on interrupting violence and reducing crime. The programs include the following:
Community Patrol:
This program includes car, foot and bike patrol that focuses on violence prevention. READ MORE.
The Life Repair and Response Center
The Center services as the intake center and contains the following programs:
Conflict Resolution Center
The Conflict Resolution Center trains and prepares community partners and volunteers to resolve conflict and minimize violent escalations. The Community Haven’s former Board of Directors were trained and conducted Conflict Resolution in Alton Park that resulted in eliminating numerous escalations in this Community. The current Board and staff are trained as well.
The Mentoring and Tutoring Program
The goal of this program is to mentor youth in the community by providing conflict resolution and leadership development at an early age. The students will also be able to receive tutoring that is specific to their learning styles.
Anger and Trauma Workshops
Anger and Trauma Workshops serve as a means to reduce the frequency, intensity, duration, and specific modes of expression of trauma-related anger.
OTHER SERVICES AND PROGRAMS
The Community Haven provides other services designed to supplement residents in the community; such as a Thrift Store, Community Markets, and partnering with organizations like the Food Bank to provide free produce.
Other programs and services include basketball courts and a Bouncy Park, and Communications Studio. In addition, hosts a number of free events; such as back to school bash, outdoor movies and other entertainment and concerts.