January is Mental Wellness Month

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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Hope Haven’s Mental Health Team would like to remind you that January is Mental Wellness Month! Focusing a few minutes every day on enhancing mental wellness can increase resilience help manage stress and build on an overall sense of well-being. Mental Wellness also helps combat symptoms of serious mental illness. If the concept of mental wellness is new to you consider the following steps that can easily be added to your routine:

Develop an attitude of gratitude

  • Focusing on the people and things we are thankful for can help build a positive sense of self. It is often said that while every day may not be good there is something good in every day. Take a moment or two to focus on the good things and draw your attention away from what might be dragging you down. Some people find it helpful to keep a list of what they are grateful for others find it helpful to express appreciation through prayer conversation or writing a note.

Set aside time to do the things you enjoy

  • Often we can become overwhelmed by the things we feel we “have” to do and lose sight of those things that give our lives joy and meaning. Set aside time each day to engage in something pleasant and meaningful to you; take a walk hot bath or engage in a hobby. Your pleasant event does not have to take a lot of time out of your day to add a feeling of well-being to your day.

Take a break from stress

  • Try eliminating or reducing those things that are not healthy or helpful to you.  Take a break from watching the news or unfollow negative people on social media. Set appropriate boundaries in your life and learn to say no sometimes.  

Slow down

  • Notice with intention the things you are doing. Drawing your awareness to the moment especially those moments that are pleasant enhances our ability to be mindful and connected with ourselves and others.  

Take care of yourself

  • Enhancing our physical wellness also improves mental wellness. Exercising eating well and treating physical illness are all important steps to take to help build an overall sense of wellbeing.

Ask for help when you need it

  • Seek support and talk to people who care about you. If you are feeling overwhelmed Hope Haven can help! Our licensed mental health counselors are trained to work with people who are struggling with everyday stressors as well as working with people who may have serious mental illness. Call 877-508-3281 to find a counselor in your area and get back on the path to wellness today!

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