Alex’s Story

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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“Faith, Hope & Charity are just like family!” In Storm Lake, IA, Hope Haven supports seventeen children with 24/7 total care services at our intermediate care facility for intellectual disabilities. Donors like you make it possible for Hope Haven to support children in a safe and loving home with meals, activities, nursing, recreation, skill building, community interaction, and other services to meet their needs.

Meet Alexander “Alex” Schuldt, a caring 14-year-old from Newton, IA.

Alex has navigated a lot in his young life. Living in a large family presented challenges for Alex, but in December 2022, he found a home at Faith, Hope & Charity! The small houses in the facility accommodate Alex well.

The staff has built a strong relationship with Alex to develop a better understanding of his needs, wants, likes, and dislikes. The two things he enjoys doing the most are disassembling objects and maintaining a steady, healthy diet, whereas his dislike is having changes in his daily routine.

As Alex’s relationships progress, he has grown to feel more at home by doing more of the things that make him a better housemate. He has also increased growth towards achieving semi-independence, like dressing himself for school and showering. The goal at Faith, Hope & Charity is to guide Alex’s development and growth in all aspects of his life through positive encouragement and structured educational programs. Overall, the staff is so proud of the improvement that Alex has made and cherishes the moments spent together, and the memories made that make Alex part of the family!

“There has been an immense positive change in Alex’s and our family’s home lives since he started living at Faith, Hope & Charity,” says Alex’s father, Josh Schuldt. “Our family appreciates Jenny Leight, Alex’s Home Lead, for the passion and commitment she gives to Alex, which has led to an extreme growth in his behavior.”

Because of you, Alex and his family found the joy of happiness at Faith, Hope & Charity, receiving the nurturing, attention, and encouragement needed for him to grow and develop. With your continuous support, individuals with disabilities have reliable access to healthcare and other services that enhance their quality of life. Your gift will not only help Alex, but so many other children and adults in need of support today, and well into the future.

If you wish to contribute, please click here https://www.hopehaven.org/give/ to donate today.

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