A Career in the Community

Peace of Mind, Redefined

By 7017444915 • March 26, 2026
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.
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Although Brice Seuntjens can’t hear you coming he’s sure to greet you with a huge smile and friendly handshake when he encounters you. Brice is deaf but this new member of the Holiday Inn crew in Sioux Center is not letting his hearing ailments prevent him from pursuing employment he enjoys.  

Described as very thorough and tidy  Brice is thriving in his laundry duties at the hotel. Watch him work and it’s clear he enjoys the methodic meticulous routine of sorting and folding sheets towels and other clean linens. His love for this type of task has some history. “It’s perfect for him ” states his guardian John Menning. “He has always loved doing laundry as long as he has lived with us and that has been for 35 years.” 

Job coach Scott Eekhoff notes that he’s a quick learner “Brice caught on right away.” The majority of Brice’s communication is executed through gestures movements and some signing. When he was initially trained on his housekeeping tasks he memorized the routine and was able to easily replicate the steps moving forward. This attention to detail ensures a high quality of work.  

Prior to employment at the Holiday Inn  Brice worked at Parkview Industries in Rock Valley and participated in Day Habilitation. Today it’s evident that Brice is matched with a job that not only suits his interests and aptitudes but also affords him opportunities like meeting friends and fulfilling goals.   

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