A New Chapter

A Place to Belong: Jon's Story

By 7017444915 • February 24, 2026
Home looks different for everyone. For Jon, home is now the place he shares with his sister, Shelly. Jon was already living in Shelly’s home when she became one of Hope Haven’s first Host Home providers. What started as a practical next step quickly grew into something far more meaningfu l. As Shelly shared, “Opening our home to Jon was a blessing we didn’t know we needed.” Through Hope Haven’s Host Home program, individuals with disabilities live in the homes of carefully selected providers who offer guidance, companionship, and everyday support. Host Homes are just one of several residential options at Hope Haven, alongside staffed community living homes, because no two individuals require the same level or style of care. What matters most is creating a place where people can live safely, grow their independence, and feel truly included. For Jon, that environment means being part of everyday family life, whether that’s grocery shopping and shared meals or being able to help with Shelly’s in-home daycare. “Living here makes me feel happy,” Jon says. For Shelly’s family, the experience has been transformative. “We’ve all become more patient and understanding,” she shares. “My boys have learned gratitude, acceptance, and what it means to truly welcome someone into your life.” That mutual impact is what makes Host Homes unique. “It doesn’t feel like a job,” Shelly explains. “It’s more of a relationship. You get to help someone feel independent, yet safe.” She was quick to add that the impact goes both ways. As she puts it, “You just might meet your best friend.” Because of supporters like you, individuals like Jon have the opportunity to live in a home where they are supported and valued — not just as clients, but as people. Your generosity makes it possible for Hope Haven to offer a range of residential supports, creating safe, stable, relationship-centered living options for individuals with disabilities right here in our communities. “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” — Romans 12:10 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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