Harris has more to do at 82
Harris has more to do at 82
Gilead House founder honored at birthday bash by friends, family
For the revered Reba Harris’ 82nd birthday bash, a special Kokomo couple re-presented her gift that keeps on giving. That’s why philanthropists Patti and John O’Donnell joined some 75 others on June 30, giving their love, support, and best wishes to the dynamic founder and Executive Director of Gilead House, the downtown drug and alcohol rehabilitation center Harris founded in 1998.
From the very beginning, the O’Donnells have been the financial lifeline, donors, and principal monetary supporters that have kept Ms. Reba – as she is affectionately known - and her Gilead House ministry afloat.
The devout Christians even bought and refurbished the building at 406 E. Sycamore St. and have reportedly poured innumerable thousands of dollars annually into its support and upkeep for the past 22 years. They will not reveal the total amount they have invested, but the building itself cost $236,000.
“They bought the building and gave me the key,” Harris robustly revealed. “It is one thing to hear somebody say God told them to do something. It is another thing for them to invest in it financially. John said God told him to help us, and that is what he has been doing.”
“We give whatever God tells us to give,” replied Patti O’Donnell, a veteran Gilead House board member. “All we want is the glory to all go to Him. God is her major benefactor, not us. You cannot outgive God, and she follows God. We want to do what we can for her; a person that can help what God wants us to do.”
“We are not going to take this (money) with us when we go to the grave,” added her adoring retired bank executive husband John O’Donnell.
“God has not told me to stop. This is my mission, and I am going to keep on doing it” – Reba Harris
Even at 82, Ms. Reba is an engaging bundle of energy who was the de facto Belle-of-the-ball of her social event. She danced and smiled and sweet-talked friends, family, and former clients with a joyful exuberance. She is sanctified, not sanctimonious.
“It’s an honor to be the granddaughter of an amazing woman,” says Andrea Harris, a private senior citizen caregiver. "My grandmother is very unique. She is so caring. She has a gift. You can tell she really cares for the ladies because she could have retired by now and been on several vacations, but she is still trying to save the lives of other women out here. She is the epitome of a strong African American woman who tells it like it is.”
Amen to that affirmed Doris Tudor. She is a recovering alcohol, heroin, and cocaine addict and a 2002 Gilead House patient who under Ms. Reba’s tutelage subsequently earned a degree from Indiana Wesleyan University.
“It was a struggle,” she admitted. “It was no bounce; it was a crawl sometimes. Reba gave me a road to come back. She gave me a lifeline.”
Reba’s daughter, Shari Lynn Harris, revealed she will not follow in her mother's footsteps. “I haven’t been called to do this,” she said.
Rather her goal is to open a Kokomo tennis academy along with her brother by next Spring. Shari played tennis collegiately at Northwestern and Indiana State after being taught the sport by Ms. Reba.
“I have always known her to be impactful for young people; mainly ladies and young girls,” said Shari. “There was always someone at our house. I always had a little sister somewhere. It has just been her path, her ministry, even since I was a young child. Am I surprised she is still here doing it? No, not at all. It’s a total call on her life.”
It is “very tough and emotionally draining, exhausting” work, say those close to her.
“Early on she struggled with money, and struggled with support, which I took very offensive because of what she was doing in the community,” added Shari. “But now, after 22 years, the results have spoken for themselves, I know she gets the respect that she deserves and now the money.”
Asked if she has seen the fruits of her munificence, Patti O’Donnell replied, “Oh, amen. Just look at this place and look at Reba. Reba is just a gift to all these ladies. They do not have anyone, and God has sent her to them with that gift.”
And as for the significance of her 82nd birthday?
“It tells me that she is doing what God wants her to do, and he is using her until the day He is ready to take her home and give her her reward, said Patti. “She is a committed woman, and He gives her the strength to do it.”
John O’Donnell added, “Reba helps people in need, and they all need help. She’s committed to helping them, and we are committed to helping her.”
Harris dedicated her soon to be released book, “Living Life After the Fires of My Sorrow” to the O’Donnells.
“They blessed me by coming and contributing so much,” she said. “They have been a continuing gift to the Gilead House. They have been there to help me through the struggles.”
Happy Birthday Reba Harris from The Kokomo Lantern and The Maynard Report.
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