International Ministries Awards “Pillar of Hope” to Donors

Hope Haven Ambassadors: Changing the Narrative

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 .
Show More
A group of people are playing instruments on a stage in front of a crowd.

Dueling Duo’s: Keys to Love

By Hope Haven • October 24, 2025
February 13, 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
A large group of people are sitting at long tables in a large room.

Benefit Auction

By nicole.andree • October 6, 2025
March 27, 2026
More Posts →

We are proud to announce a new donor recognition award the “Pillar of Hope Award”. This special award recognizes the Hope Haven International Ministries (HHIM) donors who help to make the gift of mobility possible with their generous in-kind donations or other outstanding forms of support.  

Uniroyal Global Engineered Products Inc. American Converters Inc. and Menasha Corporation were recently recognized for their in-kind donations and presented with Pillar of Hope Awards.   

American Converters Inc. manufactures various types of foam for furniture and mattresses and is located in Fridley MN. HHIM uses foam donated by American Converters Inc. for wheelchair seating pads arm rests and head rests. Executive Vice President Tom Hall and Senior Buyer Andrew Harry were presented with the award. 

Menasha Packaging Company located in Lakeville MN specializes in designing and manufacturing cardboard boxes for shipping various products worldwide. It’s estimated that Menasha has contributed 100 000 boxes for wheelchairs to HHIM since 2000. These boxes help with logistical shipping obstacles and protect the wheelchairs in transit.  

Lastly the Naugahyde division of Uniroyal Global Engineered Products in Stoughton WI received a Pillar of Hope Award. Naugahyde is a composite knit fabric backing and expanded polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic coating and is used by HHIM in manufacturing or repairing the arm rests head rests and seats of our wheelchairs. Uniroyal has been providing us with this material since around 2000.  

Finally at our Annual Dessert Benefit Auction in Sioux Falls  the award was presented to Elmer Karl  Owner and Founder of Karl’s TV and Appliance Stores. Over the past seven years Karl’s has engaged in HHIM wheelchair collection drives around the Midwest at their locations in South Dakota Wyoming North Dakota Nebraska Iowa and Minnesota.