Finding Strides at Pure Fishing

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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Changes at work can be difficult and may involve tough transitions. But for the Hope Haven clients who previously worked at Echo Plus in Spirit Lake the changeover from working at the Echo Plus building to working at Pure Fishing has been largely positive. Nancy Brewer Lead Group Supportive Employment notes that the crew finds pride in where they work “They say ‘I work at Pure Fishing’ now.” Nancy’s role is to supervise and lead the group who made this transition from Echo Plus.  

The majority of the group who now work at Pure Fishing were previously part of the Facility Based Employment Model which ended under Iowa legislation this year. The main responsibility in this part of the Pure Fishing factory is quality control and restoration for rods and reels that come from returns departments across the country. Some of the returned products only possess small defects or issues that are easily remedied. Crew members determine if a product is eligible for restoration while damaged items are dissembled and removed from the process.  

Next eligible products are then cleaned restored and sent to Fisherman’s Factory Outlet for sale.  Additional projects arise throughout the week like labeling or packaging new product. Nancy remarks that the group loves the variety that extra projects like this provide and the opportunity to hone new skills that they bring.  

“The opportunity in May 2018 for Hope Haven to begin to operate a group supported employment crew at Pure Fishing has grown an already excellent partnership between our two companies ” says Scott Witte Director of Employment Services. “When observing the operations it is readily apparent that work crew members and Hope Haven staff love their work.  The crew feels supported by Pure Fishing staff and the company values their contributions to the business.” 

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