Discovering New Friendships

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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If there’s a birthday in the Estherville residence that Macasey and Ryan call home you can bet there’ll be chocolate pie to celebrate. 

The four men who live here relish this tradition but it’s not just birthday pie that’s forged a bond in the group. Macasey and Ryan in particular have become fast friends in the months since Macasey moved in this June and it’s all thanks to some thoughtful gestures and a shared love of sports.  

Special Olympics is especially revered by the group and it’s this mutual interest that inspired Ryan earlier this year. While out shopping with his mother on his birthday he didn’t request what one would typically expect. Instead of focusing on gifts for himself he requested to purchase new sporting gear for Macasey. At the time Macasey had none to use for Special Olympics activities.  

Macasey who had earlier in the week made a point to gather chocolate pie ingredients for Ryan’s birthday was more than surprised to receive these seemingly out of the blue gifts. “I was shocked that he opened up like that ” recalls Macasey. Ever since that day not long after Macasey had moved in they’ve established a great friendship. “We continue to see progress made between Ryan and Macasey ” states Community Living Lead Coach Tammy. 

  In times outside of birthday celebrations these two also both maintain busy schedules. Ryan loves his routine managing one job at Pure Fishing and another in the food services department of Iowa Lakes Community College. Meanwhile Macasey is a student at the college putting his artistic skills to use in pursuit of a graphic design degree.  

  But in between work school Special Olympics chores and driveway basketball games they’ve come to understand each other as not only as housemates but as newfound friends.  

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