International Ministries Awards “Pillar of Hope” to Donors

Peace of Mind, Redefined

By 7017444915 • March 26, 2026
There is a certain kind of peace that comes when you know someone you love is safe. One mother, Jeanelle Stokes, shared that before Smart Living, there was always a quiet tension. Even when things were going well, that lingering question remained: What if something happens when no one is right there? At Hope Haven, we believe safety and independence should not compete with one another. They should work together. That belief is what led to the development of Smart Living. Smart Living blends personalized technology, remote support, and in-person care to help individuals live more independently while maintaining a dependable safety net. From our Remote Support Center in Spirit Lake, trained professionals are available 24 hours a day, ready to respond when assistance is needed. Jeanelle put it simply: “I don’t feel like I have to hover anymore. I know someone is there if he needs help.” Homes are equipped with thoughtfully selected tools such as motion sensors, wearable devices, secure video connections, and interactive reminders, all tailored to the member’s individual needs. These tools aren’t designed to replace care, but to enhance it. For Jeanelle’s son Jerrod, constant staff presence was increasing his anxiety. When part of his support transitioned to remote monitoring, there was a noticeable change. Within days, he began reaching out just to say, “Hi, I’m okay.” With that change, he had more space while still knowing support was just a call away. As Scripture reminds us, “The Lord himself watches over you.” - Psalm 121:5 Smart Living reflects that same premise of watchful care, encouraging independence while still keeping support within reach. As this initiative expands, more individuals will have the opportunity to live confidently in their own homes, and more families will experience the peace that comes from knowing help is always near. Your generosity makes that growth possible. It allows us to expand Smart Living into more homes, strengthen our Remote Support Center, and ensure that independence is never separated from safety. If you wish to contribute, please CLICK HERE to donate today. Thank you for your continued support, prayers, and partnership in Hope Haven’s mission.
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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.