Gracia Angelica in El Salvador

By 7017444915 July 22, 2025
At Hope Haven, we believe in the profound power of transformation. Every individual carries the potential for growth when given the right support and opportunities. 2 Corinthians 5:17 reminds us of this truth: ‘Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!’ Josh Canny’s story is a powerful testament to this belief. His journey of growth and resilience exemplifies how faith and support can lead to extraordinary change. Josh, born in Spirit Lake, Iowa, found his home at Hope Haven at the age of 18. Now 35, his journey illustrates the power of compassion, opportunity, and community. Josh began in Hope Haven’s Parkview workshop, where he struggled to find fulfillment. However, everything changed with the introduction of the My Choice Employment program, offering Josh the chance to explore community employment. He took this opportunity and thrived. Today, Josh works nearly 40 hours a week at Double HH Manufacturing, contributing across multiple departments. From running machines to packaging, Josh’s versatility and uplifting attitude have become invaluable to his team. Austin Vande Vegte, Operations Manager at Double HH, shares, “Josh’s contributions have had a positive impact on our team. His willingness to learn and help across the plant ensures we deliver quality to our customers on time.” Josh’s journey to independence hasn’t been without challenges. Losing his mother at 13 and experiencing an unstable upbringing left him with little structure or support. For a time, he lived with relatives who didn’t encourage his growth. But at Hope Haven, Josh found stability, relationships built on trust, and the structure he needed to thrive. Over the years, Josh has grown immensely—both at work and in life. He now lives independently in Sioux Center, enjoys cooking, video games, and going out to eat or to the movies with his friends. He has transformed into a kind, respectful person; taking pride in his work ethic and relationships. Amanda, Josh’s longtime Double HH Job Coach, reflects, “Josh has grown so much. Watching him mature and succeed has been like seeing family flourish. I am so proud of the person Josh has become.” Josh’s journey from instability to independence is a powerful example of how lives can be transformed through faith, compassion, and community. At Hope Haven, we know that every individual we serve has their own unique story and potential—just like Josh. Our dedicated staff helps individuals realize their potential, providing the support and encouragement they need to thrive. This story of resilience highlights the importance of supporting individuals in difficult circumstances. With your help, more people like Josh can receive the guidance, care, and opportunities they deserve. Your generosity allows us to expand our programs, equip individuals with necessary resources, and foster environments where they can truly flourish. Together, we can make a lasting impact on their lives and the communities they call home. If you wish to contribute, please CLICK HERE to donate today. At Hope Haven, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your support and prayers in serving our mission now and in the future.
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The below note is from a seating specialist that helped in a wheelchair distribution in El Salvador. God is Good!

“I was blessed to be able to serve in El Salvador this past fall. I heard that you are part of the team who built the pediatric chairs that were such an important part of the seating needs that we were able to meet in El Salvador. I wanted to thank you and your team for the many hours effort prayer and love that you put into each chair. They are a tangible display of Christ’s love that gives the gift mobility. I pray that this new freedom brings each of its recipients and their families to a Christ-teaching church where they can grow to love the Savior who was introduced to them at the outreach.

I’d like to introduce you and your team to Gracia Angelica. She arrived to the outreach quite ready to receive a chair. She was smiling from ear to ear as her sister Diana carried her. Carrying a loved one is a common sight for us as folks arrive to be seated. Many have never known the benefits of a wheelchair. Please note that not everyone is small and petite as Gracia. We also see adults arriving in the arms of one or even two loved ones.

Gracia is 7 years old and had a beautiful and sweet relationship with her sister. She quickly jumped into my arms and into Silas’ arms. Silas was our team’s mechanic. I had a hunch that there was much talk in her home over the preceding weeks regarding our arrival. It amazes me all the intricacies that fall together over many months many continents and many hands all orchestrated by God! He is working before we arrive when we arrive and long after we leave! Gracia cried each time we took her out of our arms to work on her Hope Haven chair. After about an hour of trade-offs between hugs and adjustments Gracia literally squealed in her chair as she self-propelled away to the next station. No doubt she was ready to receive that chair! Just about everyone stopped to look at Gracia the joyful squealer!

Thank you for preparing that chair for Gracia for lightening the load on her sister and her family and for bringing such joy to this young gal. It is my prayer that she grows to grab just as easily onto the love of Christ making Him her Savior! Multiply this by the hundred’s of chairs that leave your hands. I am thankful!

Please continue your steadfast efforts on the Hope Haven chairs. You are changing lives not only through mobility but through the door that is opened to share Christ!”

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