There is a certain kind of peace that comes when you know someone you love is safe. One mother, Jeanelle Stokes, shared that before Smart Living, there was always a quiet tension. Even when things were going well, that lingering question remained: What if something happens when no one is right there? At Hope Haven, we believe safety and independence should not compete with one another. They should work together. That belief is what led to the development of Smart Living. Smart Living blends personalized technology, remote support, and in-person care to help individuals live more independently while maintaining a dependable safety net. From our Remote Support Center in Spirit Lake, trained professionals are available 24 hours a day, ready to respond when assistance is needed. Jeanelle put it simply: “I don’t feel like I have to hover anymore. I know someone is there if he needs help.” Homes are equipped with thoughtfully selected tools such as motion sensors, wearable devices, secure video connections, and interactive reminders, all tailored to the member’s individual needs. These tools aren’t designed to replace care, but to enhance it. For Jeanelle’s son Jerrod, constant staff presence was increasing his anxiety. When part of his support transitioned to remote monitoring, there was a noticeable change. Within days, he began reaching out just to say, “Hi, I’m okay.” With that change, he had more space while still knowing support was just a call away. As Scripture reminds us, “The Lord himself watches over you.” - Psalm 121:5 Smart Living reflects that same premise of watchful care, encouraging independence while still keeping support within reach. As this initiative expands, more individuals will have the opportunity to live confidently in their own homes, and more families will experience the peace that comes from knowing help is always near. Your generosity makes that growth possible. It allows us to expand Smart Living into more homes, strengthen our Remote Support Center, and ensure that independence is never separated from safety. If you wish to contribute, please CLICK HERE to donate today. Thank you for your continued support, prayers, and partnership in Hope Haven’s mission.

Home looks different for everyone. For Jon, home is now the place he shares with his sister, Shelly. Jon was already living in Shelly’s home when she became one of Hope Haven’s first Host Home providers. What started as a practical next step quickly grew into something far more meaningful. As Shelly shared, “Opening our home to Jon was a blessing we didn’t know we needed.” Through Hope Haven’s Host Home program, individuals with disabilities live in the homes of carefully selected providers who offer guidance, companionship, and everyday support. Host Homes are just one of several residential options at Hope Haven, alongside staffed community living homes, because no two individuals require the same level or style of care. What matters most is creating a place where people can live safely, grow their independence, and feel truly included. For Jon, that environment means being part of everyday family life, whether that’s grocery shopping and shared meals or being able to help with Shelly’s in-home daycare. “Living here makes me feel happy,” Jon says. For Shelly’s family, the experience has been transformative. “We’ve all become more patient and understanding,” she shares. “My boys have learned gratitude, acceptance, and what it means to truly welcome someone into your life.” That mutual impact is what makes Host Homes unique. “It doesn’t feel like a job,” Shelly explains. “It’s more of a relationship. You get to help someone feel independent, yet safe.” She was quick to add that the impact goes both ways. As she puts it, “You just might meet your best friend.” Because of supporters like you, individuals like Jon have the opportunity to live in a home where they are supported and valued — not just as clients, but as people. Your generosity makes it possible for Hope Haven to offer a range of residential supports, creating safe, stable, relationship-centered living options for individuals with disabilities right here in our communities. “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” — Romans 12:10 If you wish to contribute, please CLICK HERE to donate today. Thank you for your continued support, prayers, and partnership in Hope Haven’s mission.

Disability services enhance mobility and independence by providing wheelchairs, advocating for accessibility, and supporting innovative solutions.

For the entire beginning of his life, Luke lived life on the floor. We met him on our fourth distribution day in Kenya. His arrival at the site was quiet, but his story spoke volumes. Luke, 11, lives with cerebral palsy. Before he was brought to a children’s home for the disabled, he had endured years of neglect. He was tied up, unable to move around, and kept inside his home so his disability would remain hidden. When they found him, he was emaciated, in constant pain, and X-rays revealed a broken hip that had gone untreated for years. His caregiver, Don, brought Luke to our distribution site for the first wheelchair he has ever owned. Fitting his chair took more than two hours, but Luke smiled through every moment of it. He seemed to understand that his world was opening up for the first time. During the fitting, one of our team members stayed by Luke’s side, comforting him. She shared, “I spent a lot of time with him, praying and singing and just stroking the side of his face. And I think that’s one of the things that really got me, I don’t think he’s had much human contact. He would just lean into me, wanting me to keep going, and he grabbed at my hands like he didn’t want to let go.” Every wheelchair you help provide becomes a turning point - a chance for a child to sit upright for the first time, attend school, join their peers, or simply experience life beyond the walls where they were once hidden. For Luke, it meant being seen, supported, and cared for in ways he had never known. This Christmas season, you can give the gift of mobility and change a life forever. Your support ensures that the most vulnerable are not forgotten and brings dignity and hope to children who have endured far too much. Luke is not alone — children like him are waiting across the world. “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” — Matthew 25:40 You can change a life today. Every gift brings light into the darkness and gives children like Luke a future filled with possibility. Thank you for giving children like Luke, and so many others, a chance at dignity and hope. If you wish to contribute, please CLICK HERE to donate today. We are deeply grateful for your support and prayers as we continue our mission to serve and uplift those in need.

When twelve-year-old Austin first came to Hope Haven, life was hard for him. He struggled with self-regulation and frequent behavioral outbursts. He wasn’t able to participate in his own care, and he often became so overwhelmed that he was sent home from school or activities. Medically, Austin relied on a G-tube for all his medications and nutrition and would only drink milk out of an infant’s bottle. Socially, he didn’t engage well with peers or participate in play. Each day came with challenges, but beneath it all was a young boy with tremendous potential and people who refused to give up on him. One of those people is Harley Roosa, a Community Living Supervisor in Storm Lake who has worked with Austin for more than three years. “There were some really long days,” Harley shared, “but we started each day new. We didn’t give up on him. We kept pushing him to be better and do better.” With consistent support and encouragement, Austin began to make remarkable progress. Speech therapy and predictable routines helped him find stability, and before long, he was speaking in full sentences. He learned to take his medications by mouth, began tasting food for the first time, and even started reading. Most beautiful of all, Austin began to connect with others, playing games with peers and showing genuine care for the people around him. Today, Austin is caring, passionate, resilient, and full of joy. He expresses his feelings, talks about what he enjoys, and lights up when he sees familiar faces. “Austin is stigma-breaking,” Harley said. “He’s shown us that if you want to, you can grow into an amazing, self-regulated, caring, and outgoing person within a short time.” Austin’s journey truly reflects Hope Haven’s vision—a community devoted to the special creation of God that is the human being. Here, we value each person’s gifts and potential, and walk beside them as they learn, grow, and discover their purpose. Guided by faith, we help children like Austin build confidence and independence through the realization of their God-given abilities. In this season of gratitude and giving, we are reminded of God’s promise in Galatians 6:9: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” When you give, you become part of that transformation, helping children like Austin grow into the best version of themselves. Will you consider a gift today to continue blessing children in Hope Haven’s care with the support and compassion they deserve? If you wish to contribute, please CLICK HERE to donate today. At Hope Haven, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your support and prayers in serving our mission now and in the future.

Local disability services are essential in empowering Persons with Disabilities. Read more now or contact us for more information.

For the past eight years, our Orange City My Day program has known what it feels like to be without a home. We bounced from one rental space to another—sometimes staying only six months, sometimes a year. None of those spaces were truly designed for the people we serve. And every time we had to move again, our members’ anxiety grew. Thanks to our generous supporters, that all changed this past spring. We built a new multipurpose facility, complete with accessible restrooms, a full kitchen, ample storage, and room to grow. Connected to our wheelchair workshop, it not only provides a permanent home for our members but also gives them meaningful ways to contribute to our ministry. As Hailey Lewis, the Orange City My Day Lead, shared when she first walked inside: “I love it. The colors, the rustic look, it’s beautiful. But more than that, it’s home.” Our members agree. Colin grinned and said, “There’s lots of stuff to do!” From cooking projects in the kitchen, to playing games, to volunteering in the workshop, this new home has sparked joy for the entire group. But most importantly, it has brought them peace. The constant stress of moving and the worry about accessibility and functional amenities is finally all behind them. Hailey shared, “If I put something in a box, a couple of my members ask, ‘Are we moving again?’ And I get to remind them, no. This is permanent, this is forever. Having their forever home here has minimized their anxiety, they don’t have to worry about anything. Now, they can just focus on themselves, and that has changed everything for them.” In this new season for the Orange City My Day program, we are reminded of God’s promise in Isaiah 32:18: “My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.” Supporters like you make it possible for us to continue our mission of creating spaces where individuals with disabilities can find community and purpose, and the opportunity to thrive. Will you consider a gift today to continue blessing individuals in programs like My Day with the security and stability they deserve? If you wish to contribute, please CLICK HERE to donate today. At Hope Haven, we exten d our heartfelt gratitude for your support and prayers in serving our mission now and in the future.

Mental Awareness Month

At Hope Haven, we believe in the profound power of transformation. Every individual carries the potential for growth when given the right support and opportunities. 2 Corinthians 5:17 reminds us of this truth: ‘Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!’ Josh Canny’s story is a powerful testament to this belief. His journey of growth and resilience exemplifies how faith and support can lead to extraordinary change. Josh, born in Spirit Lake, Iowa, found his home at Hope Haven at the age of 18. Now 35, his journey illustrates the power of compassion, opportunity, and community. Josh began in Hope Haven’s Parkview workshop, where he struggled to find fulfillment. However, everything changed with the introduction of the My Choice Employment program, offering Josh the chance to explore community employment. He took this opportunity and thrived. Today, Josh works nearly 40 hours a week at Double HH Manufacturing, contributing across multiple departments. From running machines to packaging, Josh’s versatility and uplifting attitude have become invaluable to his team. Austin Vande Vegte, Operations Manager at Double HH, shares, “Josh’s contributions have had a positive impact on our team. His willingness to learn and help across the plant ensures we deliver quality to our customers on time.” Josh’s journey to independence hasn’t been without challenges. Losing his mother at 13 and experiencing an unstable upbringing left him with little structure or support. For a time, he lived with relatives who didn’t encourage his growth. But at Hope Haven, Josh found stability, relationships built on trust, and the structure he needed to thrive. Over the years, Josh has grown immensely—both at work and in life. He now lives independently in Sioux Center, enjoys cooking, video games, and going out to eat or to the movies with his friends. He has transformed into a kind, respectful person; taking pride in his work ethic and relationships. Amanda, Josh’s longtime Double HH Job Coach, reflects, “Josh has grown so much. Watching him mature and succeed has been like seeing family flourish. I am so proud of the person Josh has become.” Josh’s journey from instability to independence is a powerful example of how lives can be transformed through faith, compassion, and community. At Hope Haven, we know that every individual we serve has their own unique story and potential—just like Josh. Our dedicated staff helps individuals realize their potential, providing the support and encouragement they need to thrive. This story of resilience highlights the importance of supporting individuals in difficult circumstances. With your help, more people like Josh can receive the guidance, care, and opportunities they deserve. Your generosity allows us to expand our programs, equip individuals with necessary resources, and foster environments where they can truly flourish. Together, we can make a lasting impact on their lives and the communities they call home. If you wish to contribute, please CLICK HERE to donate today. At Hope Haven, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your support and prayers in serving our mission now and in the future.

Iowa Hawkeye Wide Receiver, Reece Vander Zee, recently spent a day with his family refurbishing wheelchairs at the Hope Haven International Ministries (HHIM) workshop in Rock Valley. The 18-year-old from […] The post Hope Haven International Ministries continues to make worldwide impacts appeared first on Hope Haven.

Disability living services are a vital component of a compassionate society that seeks to support individuals with disabilities in leading fulfilling lives. These services encompass a range of programs designed […] The post What Are Disability Living Services? appeared first on Hope Haven.