Be Patient…and Have Fun!

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.
Show More
A group of people are playing instruments on a stage in front of a crowd.
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.
By nicole.andree October 6, 2025
March 27, 2026
More Posts →

In this blog we share a Q&A interview with Direct Support Professional Scott Eekhoff and what he loves about his job…

Q: How did you come to be in your position? 

A: My employment with Hope Haven just kind of fell in my lap. One of the clients in a Sioux Center waiver home was an acquaintance. I always took him for breakfast on Saturday. His father who is HH board member suggested I apply at HH because he thought I interacted very well with all the clients of that house. The rest was history.

Q: What gifts do you bring to your role?

A: I’m told clients love me as a people person. I have patience. I like to make my clients day “fun”.

Q: What lessons have you learned working at Hope Haven? 

A: Every day is very different. Our clients are smarter than people expect.. way smarter! Number one.. clients always come first in care!

Q: What is your favorite part of your job? 

A: The best part of this is taking clients in the community which has been very difficult during the Covid pandemic. Also seeing them succeed in tasks is very rewarding.

Q: What is your favorite part of your workday?

A: My favorite part of the day is greeting our clients and interacting with them.

Q: What is on your personal bucket list?

A: See the NCAA Final Four.. Take an Amtrak Trip across the country.. Do a mission trip to Guatemala.

My advice for a new staff: Be patient.. don’t be afraid to make mistakes and learn.. Have Fun!!!

The post Be Patient…and Have Fun! appeared first on Hope Haven.