Hope Haven Guatemala: Part III

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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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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If you’re passionate about you do there’s usually a driving factor something that gets you up and out of bed each day. Ask the employees of Hope Haven Guatemala what they love about their job and the most recurring answer involves the ability to empower others with the gift of a wheelchair. Many of them articulate how life-changing that is as they were also once in the position of receiving a wheelchair as well. (QUOTE)

What’s a day in the life of a Hope Haven Guatemala employee? 

The days vary based on each employee with some arriving early for devotions and breakfast others carpooling and riding buses and others setting off straight to their task in the factory. Getting to work isn’t always easy (with uneven terrain chaotic bus routes etc.) but it’s navigated and simply part of a daily routine for this crew.

Throughout the week employees receive physical therapy administred by the on staff physical therapist (who is also present at distributions to fit and customize wheelchairs for recipients).

Employees manufacture parts cut sew and create upholstery maintain inventory assemble wheelchairs coordinate applications and distributions among many other things. Let’s start off by taking a closer look at who is working in the Hope Haven Guatemala office…

Julia

Meet Julia.

As a child Julia was a polio patient. She spent years of her life in a hospital and received her first wheelchair at age 3. She notes the emotion when witnessing a child at a distribution “It’s beautiful to see the children smiling when they receive a wheelchair or standing board.” Julia’s initial position at Hope Haven Guatemala involved some secretarial work along with working in the factory. In doing this she learned the ins and outs of building and assembling a wheelchair. Julia’s administrative talents transitioned her to a full time secretary role one that’s she now occupied for three years.

The majority of the time Julia can be found in the office communicating with local governments and aid agencies to identify people throughout Guatemala who are in need of a wheelchair. She also processes paperwork coordinates the logistics of distribution days and makes sure that all things administrative are maintained. On distribution days Julia is welcoming wheelchair recipients and their families assisting with paperwork and keeping the schedule on track. With her contagiously happy energy Julia welcomes and comforts individuals traveling away from home for their new wheelchair calming potentially stressful situations.

It’s easy to see that Julia finds joy in helping others and is working each day to see others discover newfound mobility. “Hope Haven is a blessing for people with disabilities ” remarks Julia with a smile.

Oscar

Oscar works alongside Julia in the office also coordinating applications and distributions. His IT skills translate to a lot of work that requires digital savvy something heavily appreciated by fellow employees. He’s worked at Hope Haven since 2014 and

However Oscar’s journey to today was not an easy one. Over a decade ago Oscar was the victim of a shooting – suffering nine gunshot wounds. After time in the hospital Oscar returned home to recover. But recovery wasn’t so easy.

Oscar and Julia are an important key in the distribution process. Let’s move from the office down to the warehouse and meet Silvia….

Silvia

 

This is Part III the final installment of a special series on our division in Guatemala.  If you’ve missed anything you can start the series here .

There’s so much to this story – we couldn’t tell it all in three parts! Keep an eye out throughout the year for additional Hope Haven Guatemala stories and employee profiles.

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