Dordt Engineering Students Update KidChair Design

Peace of Mind, Redefined

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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Over 20 years ago Hope Haven International Ministries tasked senior Dordt Engineering students with designing a pediatric wheelchair. Out of that research and hard work came the KidChair a wheelchair model utilized in HHIM wheelchair distributions for more than two decades and still today. At the time of the original design the model could be assembled and shipped for around $100. Throughout the years the KidChair has proved a sturdy and versatile wheelchair for recipients in developing countries. However helpful critiques were compiled over the years on how to take the design to the next level. That meant incorporating a tilt mechanism better footrest and a full computer aided design (CAD) model of the wheelchair.

Two years ago Hope Haven reengaged with a new generation of Dordt Engineering students to see if they were up for the challenge of implementing these design changes. Ben Saarloos Engineering Instructor / Lab Systems Engineer presented the project as one of the 63 senior engineering project options for students. Ultimately the KidChair project was selected and today eight students are working on the project. Some of the students involved in the project even traveled to Guatemala last year to see firsthand what a wheelchair distribution is like and witness the process of custom fitting a recipient based on their individual needs. All of the participating students visited the South Dakota State Penitentiary to meet with inmates and observe the HHIM wheelchair manufacturing process. Both experiences have assisted the students in honing their design. We are thankful to the Dordt students who have worked on this project – their diligent design will impact the lives of people in need for years to come!