Discovering New Friendships

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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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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