Generations Connect

A group of people are posing for a picture with wheelchairs.
By kvanderpol January 15, 2025
Iowa Hawkeye Wide Receiver, Reece Vander Zee, recently spent a day with his family refurbishing wheelchairs at the Hope Haven International Ministries (HHIM) workshop in Rock Valley. The 18-year-old from […] The post Hope Haven International Ministries continues to make worldwide impacts appeared first on Hope Haven.
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July 10, 2025
Exciting News! Don’t miss this incredible country concert featuring Russell Dickerson, who quickly stood out from the pack with four consecutive career-starting singles reaching No. One on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. Known for hits like “Yours,” “Blue Tacoma,” “Every Little Thing,” and “God Gave Me A Girl,” his latest single, “Bones,” is already making waves! Grab your tickets now and join us for an unforgettable night of music! Saturday, August 2nd, 2025 Live at The District I All-Ages Show PIT Doors Open 6:00 PM | GA Doors 6:30 PM | Show Starts 7:30 PM Purchase Tickets Today: CLICK HERE THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: PEOPLES BANK | WIRELESS WORLD | FIRST PREMIER BANK About Russell Dickerson Russell Dickerson is known for his electrifying performances and “unstoppable energy fans can’t get enough of” (E! News). After bursting onto the scene, the Tennessee native quickly stood out from the pack as he released four consecutive career-starting singles that reached No. One on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. Since then, Dickerson has earned platinum or better status on singles including “Yours” (3X Platinum), “Blue Tacoma” (2X Platinum), “Every Little Thing” (Platinum), “Love You Like I Used To” (Platinum), and “She Likes It” ft. Jake Scott (2X Platinum). Just last year, he clocked his fifth No. One with “God Gave Me A Girl.” This year, he released “Good Day To Have A Great Day,” followed by his latest single “Bones,” which was the biggest radio debut of his career. For more information, visit www.russelldickerson.com .
A large group of people are sitting at long tables in a large room.
By nicole.andree February 19, 2025
April 4, 2025
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The Hope Haven Wheelchair Workshop in Ireton IA is looking a little bit different lately. While the workshop is normally occupied by local retirees lately it’s been filled with the robust energy of 5th-8th grade students from Ireton Christian School. During the school year students are at the workshop a few times a week as part of a service learning project initiated by their teacher Phyllis Van Gelder.  

Phyllis  a teacher at Ireton Christian School and a part-time Hope Haven employee  was searching for a meaningful community project for her students to engage in. She drives by the Ireton Wheelchair Workshop every day and out of curiosity contacted John Schelling a volunteer at the workshop. Initially both parties were unsure as to what the children’s involvement would look like. After some time and prayer Phyllis also connected with International Ministries Manager Luke Russell and the ball started rolling from there. 

Now six students travel with Phyllis and the Ireton Christian School Principal Marlin Schoonhoven to the workshop on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The students are there for about 30 minutes each time. While they’re there they help with a variety of tasks – from sorting parts to boxing wheelchairs for shipping to assembling chairs with direction from John and the regular volunteer crew.  

Not only are they directly involved with helping to rebuild wheelchairs but they also have learned about the work of Hope Haven’s International Ministries and where the wheelchairs end up.  “It makes them feel like there’s a mission they’re a part of ” says Phyllis. Phyllis’ goals for this program include helping students develop compassion for their neighbor as well as instilling a sense of service learning and community goodwill as a regular part of their lives not just something they partake in a few days a year. She affirms “We are all learning so much and are truly enjoying this venture.”  

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