Be Patient…and Have Fun!

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 .
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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!!!

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