Generations Connect

By 7017444915 October 1, 2025
For the past eight years, our Orange City My Day program has known what it feels like to be without a home. We bounced from one rental space to another—sometimes staying only six months, sometimes a year. None of those spaces were truly designed for the people we serve. And every time we had to move again, our members’ anxiety grew. Thanks to our generous supporters, that all changed this past spring. We built a new multipurpose facility, complete with accessible restrooms, a full kitchen, ample storage, and room to grow. Connected to our wheelchair workshop, it not only provides a permanent home for our members but also gives them meaningful ways to contribute to our ministry. As Hailey Lewis, the Orange City My Day Lead, shared when she first walked inside: “I love it. The colors, the rustic look, it’s beautiful. But more than that, it’s home.” Our members agree. Colin grinned and said, “There’s lots of stuff to do!” From cooking projects in the kitchen, to playing games, to volunteering in the workshop, this new home has sparked joy for the entire group. But most importantly, it has brought them peace. The constant stress of moving and the worry about accessibility and functional amenities is finally all behind them. Hailey shared, “If I put something in a box, a couple of my members ask, ‘Are we moving again?’ And I get to remind them, no. This is permanent, this is forever. Having their forever home here has minimized their anxiety, they don’t have to worry about anything. Now, they can just focus on themselves, and that has changed everything for them.” In this new season for the Orange City My Day program, we are reminded of God’s promise in Isaiah 32:18: “My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.” Supporters like you make it possible for us to continue our mission of creating spaces where individuals with disabilities can find community and purpose, and the opportunity to thrive. Will you consider a gift today to continue blessing individuals in programs like My Day with the security and stability they deserve? If you wish to contribute, please CLICK HERE to donate today. At Hope Haven, we exten d our heartfelt gratitude for your support and prayers in serving our mission now and in the future.
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There are many different types of cakes on the table.
By nicole.andree August 6, 2025
October 7, 2025
A poster for russell dickerson live at the district saturday august 2nd 2025
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 .
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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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