Allie’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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“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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