The Heerde family generously donated a $2.5 million farm estate gift to Hope Haven.

A Perfect Match: Ryan’s Employment Story

By 7017444915 • May 29, 2026
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” Colossians 3:23 For many years, Ryan made his living as a truck driver. It was work he knew well, but when health concerns made it necessary for him to make a change, he found himself facing an uncertain future. In March of 2024, Ryan was referred to Hope Haven through Vocational Rehabilitation Services for help finding meaningful employment. Like many people starting over, the path was not immediate or easy. Ryan and his employment specialist explored many different opportunities, but the right fit had not yet come along. Then, in April of 2025, BioVerse entered the picture. BioVerse had partnered with Hope Haven before, both through in-house production work and by welcoming individuals on-site to help with production needs. When they began looking for an office assistant, Ryan came to mind. Although he had never worked in an office role, he had basic computer knowledge, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn. A work trial was arranged, and almost immediately, it became clear that Ryan and BioVerse were a perfect match. Since joining the team, Ryan has become an important part of BioVerse’s daily operations. His supervisor, Lori Henning, shared that Ryan has shown “a rare combination of technical curiosity and a can-do work ethic.” He has embraced new technology, including AI, to help solve software challenges, and when production needs increased, he stepped onto the manufacturing floor without hesitation. Lori wrote, “He hasn’t just filled a role; he has enriched our company culture and reminded us of the value of a truly dedicated partner.” For Ryan, this opportunity was not simply about finding a new job. It was about finding a place where his skills could shine in a new way. His story shows us that when people are connected with meaningful work, they do more than just fill a role. They strengthen an entire workplace. Your support helps open the door for people like Ryan. Because of your generosity, Hope Haven can continue building partnerships with local employers and help people find places where their skills and strengths are truly valued. If you wish to contribute, plea se CLICK HERE to donate today. Thank you for your continued support, prayers, and partnership in Hope Haven’s mission.
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The Heerde Family of Spirit Lake recently provided Hope Haven with a farm estate gift of approximately $2.5 million. The ministry held a ceremony Thursday, April 11 to recognize the family’s sizable contribution. 

“This is historic for us and historic for Iowa,” said Hope Haven CEO, Matt Buley. “The purpose of Hope Haven is not to have a big endowment. It’s for gifts to go out, while funds continue to grow, so there will be a day — years from now — where we’ll be able to say the Heerde gift has been doubled. We’ve now given out $2.5 million dollars.” 

The family’s sale of their farmland generated close to $20 million — making for one of the largest donations of its kind in Iowa, according to organizers. The total gift benefited ten nonprofits, including local organizations like City of Spirit Lake, Excelsior United Methodist Church, Camp Foster YMCA, United Methodist Camp, and Milford Memorial Library.

Hope Haven initially discovered it would be receiving the donation in March of 2022. Farmers Savings Bank handled the sale of the land in August of 2021 and was ultimately involved in the donation process as well. Bank President, Brad Simington, said many farm families got to know the Heerde family through their corn-shelling business, including Simington’s own relatives. 

“I think, within life, you have relationships, and you gain relationships, and that’s the case with the Heerdes and the Simingtons,” Simington said. “Somewhere along the line, there was a relationship that was gained and trust that was had there. In some ways, we never thought this day would come where we would have to sell the land. It took us quite a few years.” 

The Heerde family owned hundreds of acres of farm ground northwest of Fostoria, valued at around $24 million. A total of 1,359 acres of land was sold — $14,067 per acre on average — all of which was owned previously by Willie and Earnedine Heerde, and their four children. Heerde and his children — each of whom lived with a disability — worked on the farm together for many years.

Hope Haven will add the recent estate gift to their Support Foundation
Endowment fund, bringing the total funds to over $20 million.
A percentage of the endowment will be used annually to fund client
scholarships, independent housing, wheelchair distribution, mental
health services, job placement, and other needs from those receiving
Hope Haven services. According to Buley, a common refrain among
Hope Haven’s supporters is that they wish they could do more. 

“I think about those donors when you see the faithfulness of the
Heerdes, for them to give that kind of money,” Buley said. “its unreal someone did that — take $20 million and not spend it on
themselves. This is a remarkable and humble act.”

 Now, this gold plaque depicting the supportive Heerde family
rests inside Hope Haven’s Spirit Lake building, recognizing and
honor the family’s estate gift. “Their example of stewardship
produced one of the largest farm-land estate gifts ever made in
Iowa,” the plaque states. “We are filled forever with gratitude.”