May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to break down stigma and uplift stories of hope, healing, and resilience. At Hope Haven, we believe in the power of transformation, and we witness it every day through programs like Peer Support Services and Individual Placement and Support (IPS), where recovery meets purpose.
When Ryan Long moved to northwest Iowa to rebuild his life, he was simply looking for stability. He connected with Plains Area Mental Health, and through their partnership with Hope Haven, was introduced to our IPS program. IPS goes beyond traditional job coaching; it integrates employment services with mental health care, offering holistic support to individuals living with mental illness.
Ryan’s first job placement, a manufacturing position, wasn’t the right fit. But his employment specialist, Terri, saw something more in him and encouraged Ryan to consider a role in our Peer Support Services program. Ryan had learned about peer support years earlier, and the idea had always stuck with him. When the door opened again, he stepped through it.
Today, Ryan thrives as a peer support specialist at Hope Haven. Drawing from his own experience with autism, anxiety, and depression, he supports others navigating similar challenges. He helps clients build coping strategies, gain confidence, and work on personal goals, often over a cup of coffee or a walk in the community. This work doesn’t just change lives for those he supports, it’s changed Ryan, too. “This job gives me purpose,” Ryan says. “And it keeps me accountable. Knowing that people are depending on me helps me stay grounded in my own journey.”
As the Apostle Paul reminded the early church in 1 Thessalonians, we are not called to walk alone. In a world that often feels uncertain, we are instructed to encourage one another and build each other up. “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” —1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)
That’s what Hope Haven is all about, coming alongside people in every stage of life, offering encouragement, support, and Christ-centered care. And we cannot do it without you. When you give to Hope Haven, you’re not just donating. You’re investing in second chances, in purpose-filled work, and in the belief that everyone is created with value and potential.
Will you help us continue walking alongside individuals like Ryan by making a gift this month? Together, let’s be the hands and feet of Christ, bringing light to dark places and hope to those who need it most.
If you would like to contribute, please CLICK HERE.
