Alex’s Story

Hope Haven Ambassadors: Changing the Narrative

By 7017444915 • June 26, 2026
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others…” 1 Peter 4:10 At Hope Haven, we believe every person has God-given gifts to share. That belief is at the heart of the Hope Haven Ambassadors, a group of individuals served through Hope Haven’s My Day program who are learning to use their voices, share their stories, and advocate for themselves and others. The Ambassadors were formed in January 2025 after a community experience sparked a bigger conversation about inclusion, dignity, and the way individuals with disabilities are perceived. Since then, the group has been working to help change that narrative. The Ambassadors have presented to community groups, attended advocacy trainings, traveled to the Capitol, and spoken about issues that matter. Along the way, they are building confidence, developing leadership skills, and helping others understand that every person deserves to be included and respected. For Maggie, being an Ambassador is about helping her community see people with disabilities as equals. “I want individuals with disabilities to be treated as equal to everybody else,” she shared. “I want my community to know it’s okay to be different.” For Lori, the message is simple but powerful. “We are regular people who have different challenges,” she said. “I want to help my community understand that people with disabilities are not less of a person because of their disabilities.” For Octavio, advocacy means using his voice not only for himself, but also for others who may struggle to speak up for what they need. Through his experience with the Ambassadors, he has learned something important: “Our voice matters.” Programs like My Day are about so much more than daily activities. They are about friendship, confidence, purpose, community, and belonging. They create opportunities for people to discover their strengths, build relationships, serve others, and take part in the world around them. Your support helps us continue creating opportunities like the Hope Haven Ambassadors, where individuals can build confidence, share their stories, and discover the power of their voice. Your gift allows us to keep growing alongside those we serve, making an impact that lasts. If you wish to contribute, plea se CLICK HERE to donate today. Thank you for your continued support, prayers, and partnership in Hope Haven’s mission .
Show More
A group of people are playing instruments on a stage in front of a crowd.

Dueling Duo’s: Keys to Love

By Hope Haven • October 24, 2025
February 13, 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
A large group of people are sitting at long tables in a large room.

Benefit Auction

By nicole.andree • October 6, 2025
March 27, 2026
More Posts →

“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.

The post Alex’s Story appeared first on Hope Haven.