A Christmas Blessing

By 7017444915 June 26, 2026
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others…” 1 Peter 4:10 At Hope Haven, we believe every person has God-given gifts to share. That belief is at the heart of the Hope Haven Ambassadors, a group of individuals served through Hope Haven’s My Day program who are learning to use their voices, share their stories, and advocate for themselves and others. The Ambassadors were formed in January 2025 after a community experience sparked a bigger conversation about inclusion, dignity, and the way individuals with disabilities are perceived. Since then, the group has been working to help change that narrative. The Ambassadors have presented to community groups, attended advocacy trainings, traveled to the Capitol, and spoken about issues that matter. Along the way, they are building confidence, developing leadership skills, and helping others understand that every person deserves to be included and respected. For Maggie, being an Ambassador is about helping her community see people with disabilities as equals. “I want individuals with disabilities to be treated as equal to everybody else,” she shared. “I want my community to know it’s okay to be different.” For Lori, the message is simple but powerful. “We are regular people who have different challenges,” she said. “I want to help my community understand that people with disabilities are not less of a person because of their disabilities.” For Octavio, advocacy means using his voice not only for himself, but also for others who may struggle to speak up for what they need. Through his experience with the Ambassadors, he has learned something important: “Our voice matters.” Programs like My Day are about so much more than daily activities. They are about friendship, confidence, purpose, community, and belonging. They create opportunities for people to discover their strengths, build relationships, serve others, and take part in the world around them. Your support helps us continue creating opportunities like the Hope Haven Ambassadors, where individuals can build confidence, share their stories, and discover the power of their voice. Your gift allows us to keep growing alongside those we serve, making an impact that lasts. If you wish to contribute, plea se CLICK HERE to donate today. Thank you for your continued support, prayers, and partnership in Hope Haven’s mission .
Show More
A group of people are playing instruments on a stage in front of a crowd.
By Hope Haven October 24, 2025
February 13, 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
A large group of people are sitting at long tables in a large room.
By nicole.andree October 6, 2025
March 27, 2026
More Posts →

This year at Christmastime Brody Lauritsen had a unique idea to help spread holiday cheer. Brody’s mother Nicole works with Hope Haven’s My Day program in Estherville Iowa and that connection got Brody thinking about the children that Hope Havens serves at nearby Faith Hope & Charity (FHC) in Storm Lake Iowa.

With some help from his family Brody obtained and wrapped 108 Christmas gifts for the children at FHC – four presents for each child served at this location.

Hope Haven Spiritual Associate Jim Hudzinski recounts “I have the joy of spending time with Hope Haven’s My Day groups in the Iowa Lakes Corridor and this month we had decided to write notes and create handmade Christmas ornaments for the kids served by Hope Haven at Faith Hope and Charity (FHC) in Storm Lake. When Nicole “Nikki” Lauritsen (My Day staff member) let me know that her son Brody wanted to get gifts for the kids at FHC I couldn’t have felt more grateful.”

“Brody said that he so glad to make sure the kids have a Merry Christmas ” remarks Brody’s mom Nicole.

FHC is licensed as an ICF/ID (Intermediate Care Facility for individuals with Intellectual Disability) home for children ages 2-21. ICF/ID is a 24 hour a day total care service providing housing meals activities nursing recreation skill building community interaction and many other services needed by the children served.

“I was so impressed by this young man ” adds Hudzinski.  “What Brody did was an incredibly generous gesture and one that truly exemplifies what it looks like to give of oneself to others.” 

The post A Christmas Blessing appeared first on Hope Haven.