Direct Support Professional: A Fulfilling & Rewarding Role

By 7017444915 July 22, 2025
At Hope Haven, we believe in the profound power of transformation. Every individual carries the potential for growth when given the right support and opportunities. 2 Corinthians 5:17 reminds us of this truth: ‘Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!’ Josh Canny’s story is a powerful testament to this belief. His journey of growth and resilience exemplifies how faith and support can lead to extraordinary change. Josh, born in Spirit Lake, Iowa, found his home at Hope Haven at the age of 18. Now 35, his journey illustrates the power of compassion, opportunity, and community. Josh began in Hope Haven’s Parkview workshop, where he struggled to find fulfillment. However, everything changed with the introduction of the My Choice Employment program, offering Josh the chance to explore community employment. He took this opportunity and thrived. Today, Josh works nearly 40 hours a week at Double HH Manufacturing, contributing across multiple departments. From running machines to packaging, Josh’s versatility and uplifting attitude have become invaluable to his team. Austin Vande Vegte, Operations Manager at Double HH, shares, “Josh’s contributions have had a positive impact on our team. His willingness to learn and help across the plant ensures we deliver quality to our customers on time.” Josh’s journey to independence hasn’t been without challenges. Losing his mother at 13 and experiencing an unstable upbringing left him with little structure or support. For a time, he lived with relatives who didn’t encourage his growth. But at Hope Haven, Josh found stability, relationships built on trust, and the structure he needed to thrive. Over the years, Josh has grown immensely—both at work and in life. He now lives independently in Sioux Center, enjoys cooking, video games, and going out to eat or to the movies with his friends. He has transformed into a kind, respectful person; taking pride in his work ethic and relationships. Amanda, Josh’s longtime Double HH Job Coach, reflects, “Josh has grown so much. Watching him mature and succeed has been like seeing family flourish. I am so proud of the person Josh has become.” Josh’s journey from instability to independence is a powerful example of how lives can be transformed through faith, compassion, and community. At Hope Haven, we know that every individual we serve has their own unique story and potential—just like Josh. Our dedicated staff helps individuals realize their potential, providing the support and encouragement they need to thrive. This story of resilience highlights the importance of supporting individuals in difficult circumstances. With your help, more people like Josh can receive the guidance, care, and opportunities they deserve. Your generosity allows us to expand our programs, equip individuals with necessary resources, and foster environments where they can truly flourish. Together, we can make a lasting impact on their lives and the communities they call home. If you wish to contribute, please CLICK HERE to donate today. At Hope Haven, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your support and prayers in serving our mission now and in the future.
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In this blog Direct Support Professional (DSP) Dante shares his firsthand account of working at Hope Haven and why he loves his job.

I’ve been working with these four awesome guys since August 2018. Previous to starting with Hope Haven  I had been working construction jobs. I was pouring concrete for a while then I was traveling and building grain bins around the country. We even got to go to California for a couple months but it still wasn’t really what I was looking for. Later I found out from my Mom that Hope Haven was looking for help. I thought that it might be a positive change for me and a new experience with a different kind of work from what I was used to more fulfilling maybe.

So I applied. I have always tried to be an open and understanding person and I thought those skills would help me as a new Direct Support Professional. I started out in August and boy I was nervous. But I caught on soon enough and had the joy of getting to know Eric Wayne Dylan and Jeremy. It has been very wholesome for me working with the guys has been a learning experience.  I’ve learned that being personable is more important than being demanding and that those snickers commercials are true; ‘You’re not you when you’re hungry!’ Sometimes a snack is all it takes to turn a crabby guy into a happy guy.

My favorite part of my job has got to be the evening walks we’ll take on the weekends and shoot hoops at the park. It’s not all sunshine and rainbows though! The hardest part of this job for me is calming them down when they are upset and angry. Sometimes all it takes is a little conversation talking through what they are upset about. Our days can bring a lot of surprises but I always find time for spinning Eric around in his chair and getting some laughs out of him! Eric has taught me that it doesn’t need to take much to be happy! 

My advice to a new team member would be to always be open   show the people you’re working with that you respect their choices and what they think and they will give it right back. It has worked for me and I think that the guys and I have not only a good working relationship but a great friendship as well. I also get to work with some of the most helpful and kind staff. I’m glad to be a part of Hope Haven!

Interested in joining our team as a DSP? Apply here.