Changing Lives Through Distribution Trip

A group of people are posing for a picture with wheelchairs.

Hope Haven International Ministries continues to make worldwide impacts

By kvanderpol • January 15, 2025
Iowa Hawkeye Wide Receiver, Reece Vander Zee, recently spent a day with his family refurbishing wheelchairs at the Hope Haven International Ministries (HHIM) workshop in Rock Valley. The 18-year-old from […] The post Hope Haven International Ministries continues to make worldwide impacts appeared first on Hope Haven.
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A poster for russell dickerson live at the district saturday august 2nd 2025

Russell Dickerson Concert

July 10, 2025
Exciting News! Don’t miss this incredible country concert featuring Russell Dickerson, who quickly stood out from the pack with four consecutive career-starting singles reaching No. One on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. Known for hits like “Yours,” “Blue Tacoma,” “Every Little Thing,” and “God Gave Me A Girl,” his latest single, “Bones,” is already making waves! Grab your tickets now and join us for an unforgettable night of music! Saturday, August 2nd, 2025 Live at The District I All-Ages Show PIT Doors Open 6:00 PM | GA Doors 6:30 PM | Show Starts 7:30 PM Purchase Tickets Today: CLICK HERE THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: PEOPLES BANK | WIRELESS WORLD | FIRST PREMIER BANK About Russell Dickerson Russell Dickerson is known for his electrifying performances and “unstoppable energy fans can’t get enough of” (E! News). After bursting onto the scene, the Tennessee native quickly stood out from the pack as he released four consecutive career-starting singles that reached No. One on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. Since then, Dickerson has earned platinum or better status on singles including “Yours” (3X Platinum), “Blue Tacoma” (2X Platinum), “Every Little Thing” (Platinum), “Love You Like I Used To” (Platinum), and “She Likes It” ft. Jake Scott (2X Platinum). Just last year, he clocked his fifth No. One with “God Gave Me A Girl.” This year, he released “Good Day To Have A Great Day,” followed by his latest single “Bones,” which was the biggest radio debut of his career. For more information, visit www.russelldickerson.com .
A large group of people are sitting at long tables in a large room.

Benefit Auction

By nicole.andree • February 19, 2025
April 4, 2025
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Hayden Talsma of Avon, SD, who is 16 years old, had the opportunity to travel to Cabo in February 2023 on a Hope Haven International Ministries distribution trip. His mother, Tina Talsma, was also a part of the volunteer group. Given the opportunity, Hayden went on his first big mission trip and it was a life-changing experience to say the least.  

Hayden’s parents, Jerry and Tina Talsma have been connected with Hope Haven for multiple years, hosting one of Hope Haven’s annual fundraisers, Talsma’s ATV/Horse Ride Benefit. Through this connection, Jerry was able to go on a distribution trip to Romania a few years ago. His experience and the stories he shared sparked the interest of Tina and Hayden to do the same. After reaching out and signing up, they were excited for this opportunity to distribute wheelchairs to people in need across the world.

Upon arriving in Cabo, the Hope Haven International Ministries team was introduced to the individuals who ran Mobilize Mankind, who had a shop in an old school building. Hayden explained that all the wheelchair parts were already at the site, they just needed to be put together and then sized to each child that came in. Hayden and Tina assembled wheelchairs for 3 days and averaged about 2 per day. Once the wheelchairs were assembled, Hayden explained his experience of assisting a child from Cabo get fitted for the chair, “the kid couldn’t communicate well, but the mom was very happy that her child got a new wheelchair. It was really exciting to see all that happened, it was just a lot of emotion.”

It’s safe to say Hayden left Cabo with a changed perspective and appreciation for what Hope Haven does. “Before, I didn’t realize that there were organizations to help people with disabilities. I knew they existed, but I didn’t really have a grasp on what they all do. And now I have a better understanding of what Hope Haven is doing behind the scenes to help those in need.”

Hope Haven thanks Hayden, Tina and all the others who continue to go on distribution trips. It is truly a life-changing experience not only for the individuals receiving a wheelchair, but also for Hope Haven volunteers who get to be a part of it.

If you are interested in going on a distribution trip, visit https://www.hopehaven.org/what-we-do/international-ministries/ to view the dates for 2023 and 2024.