Hope Haven Guatemala: Part I

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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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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Let’s take a trip about 2 500 miles south of Rock Valley Iowa and the headquarters of Hope Haven. You’ll cross the sprawling deserts and landscapes of the south pass by the Gulf of Mexico and end up at a spot surrounded by volcanoes nestled between Mexico Belize El Salvador and Honduras. You’ll land in a tropical climate in a developing country known for its coffee fields and ancient Mayan sites with a population of more than 16 million people.

Destination : Hope Haven Guatemala – Santiago Sacatepéquez Guatemala

These two Hope Haven sites Rock Valley and Santiago Sacatepéquez are geographically separated by thousands of miles but share the same heartbeat . The cultures currencies and languages may differ but operate with a resounding similarity – a mission to spread the gospel of Christ and to do so with the gift of a wheelchair. Isn’t that life changing?

Take a closer look and there’s something in particular that you’ll notice at Hope Haven Guatemala. The majority of the employees who spend their days building wheelchairs and working with local governments and municipalities to coordinate distributions are living each day in a wheelchair themselves.

While wheelchair users experience limitations around the world it can be especially restrictive in Guatemala where deep rooted stigmas surrounding disabilities persist and transportation can be less than reliable. People with disabilities can often find themselves at a disadvantage in the job market in this Central American country but so desperately need to make a living in order to provide for their families.

It’s a common gripe in America – the work commute. But imagine a work commute while in a wheelchair in a locale filled with slopes and ancient cobblestones and chaotic driving conditions. 

Throughout their work day they each bustle along to their unique routine. Some work in the office while others assemble new parts and wheelchairs in the workshop. On distribution days things look a little bit different…

It’s distribution day . Buses pull up full of people from specific villages that have been called from a lengthy queue for this very distribution. Toddlers teenagers grandparents women men – emerge out of the doors often carried. They congregate in Hope Haven Guatemala’s designated distribution space and are welcomed joyously by staff greeted with exultant songs of praise and given an introduction to the day and how the process works. At the end of the experience they will return to the buses and ultimately their villages with new wheelchairs in tow. But first let’s get to know a few people who have traveled here today…

This is Part I of a special series on our division in Guatemala. Throughout the upcoming weeks we’ll be spotlighting profiles and stories of Hope Haven Guatemala employees and wheelchair recipients. Part II is available now: Read more . 

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