A Warm Heart and a Positive Outlook

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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In this blog Direct Support Professional (DSP) Lea shares her firsthand account of working at Hope Haven and why she loves her job.

I sometimes don’t even perceive it as a job but a way to give back to our community. I can help people in need gather tools to live independently and grow each and every day. In the day to day that I have experienced over the past 6 years working with Hope Haven I have experienced such joy and pride in reaching out to the community of people I serve. I reap much reward from doing so. I am so grateful for the tools that Hope Haven has given me to help those in need. Whether it is to travel or medical attention or socializing in the community.

The warmth that I receive and the growth I observe from each and every one of them is a blessing. We all have faith and endure our troubles and difficulties throughout our daily lives BUT the individuals we assist need our warm hearts our patience and our positive outlook. I am proud to be a part of this family in Hope Haven. The challenges and sacrifices we all make on a daily basis and the efforts we put into each and every person builds their character and ours within us. I thank you for listening to my story and why I like what I do every day.  Thanks again for giving me the tools over the past 6 years to help others be the best they can be and grow in life. 

Interested in joining our team as a DSP? Apply here.

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