Alex’s Story

Peace of Mind, Redefined

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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“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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