ABOUT
Mission
As followers of Christ, we partner with people in developing work and life skills so that they may enjoy a productive life in their community.
Vision
Hope Haven is community committed to the special creation of God that is the human being; encouraging the realization of dreams, desires, and aspirations; valuing gifts, talents, and contributions; sharing accountability for individual and community growth.
Core Values
We are:
- Christ Followers
- Welcoming
- Accountable
- Compassionate
- Innovative
Statement of Faith
We, the undersigned board members of Hope Haven, believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the inspired Word of God, which proclaims God’s creation, man’s fall into sin, God’s plan of redemption through Jesus Christ and the new creation yet to come. We believe God calls each of us to participate in the spread of his kingdom through word and deed. Acknowledging the authority of God’s Word, we submit to it in all matters of life and faith.
We affirm the Christian faith as summarized in the Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic* church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
*that is, the true Christian church of all times and all places
By our signature below, we affirm our Christian faith, which will guide the way we govern and direct the ministries of Hope Haven.
Our Initiatives
"Hope Haven engages in strategic initiatives in two primary ways. One is through a regular three-year strategic planning process. Our past strategic plans have moved us forward in many ways: program development, training, technology, and more. These plans are built by a cross-functional group of staff and board members. The Future Committee of the Board of Directors owns our strategic plans for the organization as a whole, with the work being conducted by staff. Another process Hope Haven engages in is based on Patrick Lencioni's model of organizational health called a "Thematic Goal." Thematic goals are short (one year or less) strategic initiatives that answer the question: 'What is most important right now?' These annual strategies keep us nimble and responsive to needs."
- Hope Haven CEO, Matt Buley
Hope Haven: A Journey Through Time and Impact
Decades before Hope Haven became the organization it is today, its story began with the vision of four pioneering Midwestern founders—and a simple conversation shared over a cup of coffee.
These forward-thinkers dreamed of creating new opportunities for children in their community with disabilities, driven by a passion to turn their aspirations into reality. After years of unwavering dedication and overcoming significant challenges, Hope Haven officially opened its doors to serve eleven children in 1964.
What began in Northwest Iowa as a local mission has blossomed into a far-reaching endeavor. Today, Hope Haven provides services across numerous counties in Iowa and Minnesota, while our International Ministries extend hope and support to people in 109 countries around the globe.
Continuing to adapt and expand, we remain deeply committed to empowering individuals to discover, value, and share their unique gifts. As needs evolve, so does our drive to refine programs that inspire growth and transformation.
1959
The concept for Hope Haven emerges in Rock Valley, Iowa.
1964
Hope Haven is established, serving 11 children with three staff members.
1968
Work Training Center opens, offering real work opportunities and training for adults with disabilities.
1983
First three residential sites are built.
1988
Mental Health & Recovery services are established.
1994
International Ministries begins, providing mobility through worldwide wheelchair distributions.
1998
The Work Training Center becomes Double HH Manufacturing.
2001
The KidChair Wheelchair is introduced and begins distribution around the world.
2010
Employment services expand into Worthington, MN through the acquisition of The Achievement Center (TAC).
2014
Expansion into Spirit Lake and Estherville regions through the acquisition of Echo Plus.
2015
Partnership with Sunshine Services begins in Spencer, IA
2018
Faith, Hope 7 Charity of Storm Lake, IA becomes a division of Hope Haven.
2020
Covid-19: Milestone of the global pandemic
2021
Hope Haven receives 16th consecutive Three-Year Accreditation from the international accrediting body, CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities).
2024
The June 22 flood caused extensive damage in various locations throughout Hope Haven – Hope Haven’s main office building in Rock Valley, offices in Sheldon, Spencer, and Rock Rapids, nine community living facilities in Rock Valley (4), Spencer (4), Sibley (1), and the Hope Haven International Ministries (HHIM) workshop.
Credentials: Ensuring Excellence in Human Resource Services
Hope Haven, Inc is a highly esteemed and accredited agency. See below for a list of credentials:
CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) – since 1976
- Employment Services
- Community Services
- Psychosocial Rehab Programs
- Behavioral Health Services (Therapy)
- Board Governance
Accredited member of Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA)
Member of Council of Reformed Charities (CORC)
Iowa Department of Human Services Credentials
- Licensed Group Foster Care Provider
- Home & Community-Based Services Provider (HCBS)
- Residential Based Supported Community Living (RBSCL)
- Work Services Provider
- Behavioral Health Intervention Services Provider
- Mental Health Service Provider
- Chapter 24 Licensed IPR, SCL, and Therapy Services
Iowa Medicaid Provider for the Managed Care Organizations
- Intensive Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services
- Community Support Services
- Individual and Group Therapy
- Medication Management
- Respite
- Peer Support Services
Iowa Department of Inspection and Appeals
- Residential Care Facilities – RCF/ID
- Intermediate Care Facility – ICF/ID
Iowa Department of Education
- Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services
US Department of Labor: Special Minimum Wage Certificates
Minnesota Department of Human Services
- Licensed Adult Foster Care
- Supervised Living Service Provider
- In-Home Support Provider
- CADI Waiver – Supported Employment
Minnesota Department of Economic Development – Vocational Rehabilitation Svcs.
- Extended Employment – Basic
- Extended Employment – SMI (for persons with Serious Mental Illness)
- Minnesota Vocational Rehabilitation Program
