Celebrating Goals

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.
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“When I first started with Hope Haven I didn’t quite realize what I was getting myself into ” said Dee Ann Van Dyke Lead Coach for Hope Haven. “And now I’m so grateful. The people I work with are so special. Each person has some pretty amazing strengths and gifts.”

Employed with Hope Haven since 2004 when she discovered an opening at the Orange City location Van Dyke has learned a lot since that first day. As a Lead Coach Van Dyke is responsible for training supporting and empowering both employees and clients. Both supervisors and “field guides.” Lead Coaches handle everything from coordinating schedules to training employees to supervising client activities. “It takes consistency and patience ” she says of the job. “And you can never underestimate the value of spending real quality time with each person.”

“My favorite part of my job is seeing growth ” she adds. “From managing emotions to accomplishing tasks independently our clients are no different from you or me when it comes to having goals and achieving them. But with this job I get to help make it happen and then I get to celebrate with them when it does.”

Van Dyke whose day isn’t complete without Jesus and the purpose within her work loves the daily conversations she has with her clients and is often amazed at the honesty and depth of their talks. “I’ve been blessed to work with so many great clients during my time at Hope Haven ” she states. “Even when a client gets stuck in a poor behavior choice or an activity doesn’t go as planned I know I’m making a difference here.”

Are you ready to make a difference here? Explore our current job opportunities here.

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