A Christmas Blessing

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.
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.