A New Chapter

A group of people are posing for a picture with wheelchairs.
By kvanderpol January 15, 2025
Iowa Hawkeye Wide Receiver, Reece Vander Zee, recently spent a day with his family refurbishing wheelchairs at the Hope Haven International Ministries (HHIM) workshop in Rock Valley. The 18-year-old from […] The post Hope Haven International Ministries continues to make worldwide impacts appeared first on Hope Haven.
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A poster for russell dickerson live at the district saturday august 2nd 2025
July 10, 2025
Exciting News! Don’t miss this incredible country concert featuring Russell Dickerson, who quickly stood out from the pack with four consecutive career-starting singles reaching No. One on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. Known for hits like “Yours,” “Blue Tacoma,” “Every Little Thing,” and “God Gave Me A Girl,” his latest single, “Bones,” is already making waves! Grab your tickets now and join us for an unforgettable night of music! Saturday, August 2nd, 2025 Live at The District I All-Ages Show PIT Doors Open 6:00 PM | GA Doors 6:30 PM | Show Starts 7:30 PM Purchase Tickets Today: CLICK HERE THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: PEOPLES BANK | WIRELESS WORLD | FIRST PREMIER BANK About Russell Dickerson Russell Dickerson is known for his electrifying performances and “unstoppable energy fans can’t get enough of” (E! News). After bursting onto the scene, the Tennessee native quickly stood out from the pack as he released four consecutive career-starting singles that reached No. One on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. Since then, Dickerson has earned platinum or better status on singles including “Yours” (3X Platinum), “Blue Tacoma” (2X Platinum), “Every Little Thing” (Platinum), “Love You Like I Used To” (Platinum), and “She Likes It” ft. Jake Scott (2X Platinum). Just last year, he clocked his fifth No. One with “God Gave Me A Girl.” This year, he released “Good Day To Have A Great Day,” followed by his latest single “Bones,” which was the biggest radio debut of his career. For more information, visit www.russelldickerson.com .
A large group of people are sitting at long tables in a large room.
By nicole.andree February 19, 2025
April 4, 2025
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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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