Hope Haven Society Conducts 56th Annual Meeting 

By 7017444915 June 26, 2026
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others…” 1 Peter 4:10 At Hope Haven, we believe every person has God-given gifts to share. That belief is at the heart of the Hope Haven Ambassadors, a group of individuals served through Hope Haven’s My Day program who are learning to use their voices, share their stories, and advocate for themselves and others. The Ambassadors were formed in January 2025 after a community experience sparked a bigger conversation about inclusion, dignity, and the way individuals with disabilities are perceived. Since then, the group has been working to help change that narrative. The Ambassadors have presented to community groups, attended advocacy trainings, traveled to the Capitol, and spoken about issues that matter. Along the way, they are building confidence, developing leadership skills, and helping others understand that every person deserves to be included and respected. For Maggie, being an Ambassador is about helping her community see people with disabilities as equals. “I want individuals with disabilities to be treated as equal to everybody else,” she shared. “I want my community to know it’s okay to be different.” For Lori, the message is simple but powerful. “We are regular people who have different challenges,” she said. “I want to help my community understand that people with disabilities are not less of a person because of their disabilities.” For Octavio, advocacy means using his voice not only for himself, but also for others who may struggle to speak up for what they need. Through his experience with the Ambassadors, he has learned something important: “Our voice matters.” Programs like My Day are about so much more than daily activities. They are about friendship, confidence, purpose, community, and belonging. They create opportunities for people to discover their strengths, build relationships, serve others, and take part in the world around them. Your support helps us continue creating opportunities like the Hope Haven Ambassadors, where individuals can build confidence, share their stories, and discover the power of their voice. Your gift allows us to keep growing alongside those we serve, making an impact that lasts. 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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Hope Haven Inc. held its 56th Annual Society Meeting on Tuesday October 27th 2020 in a hybrid format both virtually via zoom and in person in the Hope Haven gymnasium. During the meeting society members re-elected Dale Honken Paul Janssen Nancy Dorhout and Ron Boote to an additional three-year term on the Board of Directors. 

The Society members also received the 2020-21 operating budget of $46 575 750 and a $952 000 budget for the Hope Haven Support Foundation gift budget. Organization updates were presented by Terry Meyer Chief Financial Officer Mark Siemonsma Director of Development Carla Kieft Director of My Day services and Matt Buley CEO. 

The Board of Directors held their organizational meeting and elected Ron Boote Hull President; Lyle Ten Haken Sioux Falls Vice President; Nancy Dorhout Rock Valley Secretary; Todd Visser Rock Valley Treasurer. Elected to the Executive Committee were: Rev. Steve Breen  Orange City and Dr. Kent Eknes Rock Valley.  

For the Hope Haven Support Foundation Board Joe Van Tol and John Van Zanten were re-elected for additional one-year terms. Gregg Boone Howard Beernink and Elwyn Hoogendoorn were re-elected to additional three-year terms.