Inclusion Event Recap

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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On Thursday March 18 2021 over 30 people representing twenty churches in northwest Iowa and southwest Minnesota gathered for an interactive Zoom event  From Inclusion to Belonging: Welcoming People with Disabilities.  The goal was to explore ways churches might welcome advocate for and reach out to people with disabilities. Guest speakers were Rev. Terry DeYoung (Coordinator for Disability Concerns Reformed Church in America) and Rev. Mark Stephenson (Director of Disability Concerns Christian Reformed Church in North America). Jim Hudzinski and Dan DeVries in the Spiritual Support Department of Hope Haven along with Kyle Crist from Rejoice! Community Church in LeMars IA coordinated the event.

“We met for ninety minutes and the second half was spent discussing the benefits of a church being part of a learning community of churches in their community on a journey of becoming more welcoming and inclusive to people with disabilities ” said Hope Haven Spirtual Support Manager Daniel DeVries. “Our prayer is that several learning communities will start up in the towns of our region. We are not content with simply being able to recognize friends with disabilities but hope that many more of us can acknowledge that people with disabilities are our co-laborers in God’s kingdom–all of us “created in Christ Jesus to do good works which he has prepared in advance for us to do.” 

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