Allie’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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“A dream is your creative vision for your life in the future.”

Because of donors like you, Hope Haven can support children and adults with disabilities through a variety of community living services. These services help individuals learn basic living skills, engage with others, and fulfill a productive life in their community. Because of you, people reach their potential.

Meet Allie McGruder from Spencer, IA

Allie has been receiving services from Hope Haven for seven years under the support of community living services. In the summer of 2022, Hope Haven purchased a new house in Spencer to meet the needs of four women. The house needed some remodeling, including new flooring, painting, and the addition of two bedrooms, a full bathroom, and a laundry room in the basement. After all the construction, the house turned into Allie’s “dream home”.

While Hope Haven provides daily support services, Allie and her housemates handle the maintenance, cleaning, cooking, and other tasks they embrace. “I love my dream home! A bigger kitchen for me to cook, a bigger bedroom for my desk, and a bathroom to share with only one person.” But not only is the home great, the neighbors are wonderful. “I enjoy going out for walks and visiting my neighbors, John and Bev.”

In addition, Allie participates in our My Day program five days a week and enjoys her time playing games, cooking, and hanging with her friends! “Allie has really grown in the past 7 years,” says Amanda Morony, Community Living Manager. She has learned to take care of herself in many ways and advocate for herself in a positive manner.” Her dream for the future is looking for a job by participating in Hope Haven’s Pathway to Employment Track program.

Through the generosity of our donors like you, Hope Haven’s services focus on each individual’s vision, “encouraging of dreams, desires, and aspirations; valuing gifts, talents, and contributions”. With your support, our vision statement becomes a reality, and comes to life through people we support – like Allie!

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

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