A New Chapter

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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50 years of sheltered workshops have come to an end. We’ve known federal mandate would bring us to this day but it’s a big change for many people we serve. Thankfully Hope Haven has been in front of community integration and career development for those we serve. “We started seriously planning to shift focus to competitive integrated employment in 2012 and My Choice Employment began in 2013 ” remarks Scott Witte Director of Partnership & Service Development.  

My Choice Employment is an employment service of Hope Haven that operates with the viewpoint that people with disabilities can work in community settings regardless of severity of disability if provided with the necessary supports. While My Choice started up in 2013 Witte recounts that community employment has been an integral piece of Hope Haven’s stance since the beginning “We’ve always seen competitive employment in the community as what we desire for people with disabilities.” 

So what’s next? Prior to the implementation of this legislation Hope Haven support teams were hard at work preparing alternatives for individuals who previously participated in facility based workshops. These alternatives consist of community employment (often facilitated through My Choice Employment) Group Supported Employment Day Habilitation among others. “We have worked hard to make sure that every individual has access to a meaningful day of programs ” confirms CEO Matt Buley. The planning has come to fruition and previous Hope Haven sheltered workshop participants in Iowa have now made the changeover to their new schedules jobs and programs. 

As we enter this new era it’s undeniable that future waves of change will sweep through. Hope Haven remains receptive possesses a willingness to adapt and will continue to advocate for the best interests of people with disabilities in the workforce. “I’m proud of the great work Hope Haven has put into this transition ” asserts Buley. 

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