Alex’s Story

By 7017444915 July 22, 2025
At Hope Haven, we believe in the profound power of transformation. Every individual carries the potential for growth when given the right support and opportunities. 2 Corinthians 5:17 reminds us of this truth: ‘Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!’ Josh Canny’s story is a powerful testament to this belief. His journey of growth and resilience exemplifies how faith and support can lead to extraordinary change. Josh, born in Spirit Lake, Iowa, found his home at Hope Haven at the age of 18. Now 35, his journey illustrates the power of compassion, opportunity, and community. Josh began in Hope Haven’s Parkview workshop, where he struggled to find fulfillment. However, everything changed with the introduction of the My Choice Employment program, offering Josh the chance to explore community employment. He took this opportunity and thrived. Today, Josh works nearly 40 hours a week at Double HH Manufacturing, contributing across multiple departments. From running machines to packaging, Josh’s versatility and uplifting attitude have become invaluable to his team. Austin Vande Vegte, Operations Manager at Double HH, shares, “Josh’s contributions have had a positive impact on our team. His willingness to learn and help across the plant ensures we deliver quality to our customers on time.” Josh’s journey to independence hasn’t been without challenges. Losing his mother at 13 and experiencing an unstable upbringing left him with little structure or support. For a time, he lived with relatives who didn’t encourage his growth. But at Hope Haven, Josh found stability, relationships built on trust, and the structure he needed to thrive. Over the years, Josh has grown immensely—both at work and in life. He now lives independently in Sioux Center, enjoys cooking, video games, and going out to eat or to the movies with his friends. He has transformed into a kind, respectful person; taking pride in his work ethic and relationships. Amanda, Josh’s longtime Double HH Job Coach, reflects, “Josh has grown so much. Watching him mature and succeed has been like seeing family flourish. I am so proud of the person Josh has become.” Josh’s journey from instability to independence is a powerful example of how lives can be transformed through faith, compassion, and community. At Hope Haven, we know that every individual we serve has their own unique story and potential—just like Josh. Our dedicated staff helps individuals realize their potential, providing the support and encouragement they need to thrive. This story of resilience highlights the importance of supporting individuals in difficult circumstances. With your help, more people like Josh can receive the guidance, care, and opportunities they deserve. Your generosity allows us to expand our programs, equip individuals with necessary resources, and foster environments where they can truly flourish. Together, we can make a lasting impact on their lives and the communities they call home. If you wish to contribute, please CLICK HERE to donate today. At Hope Haven, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your support and prayers in serving our mission now and in the future.
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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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