JD’s Creations

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.
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 →

In today’s blog we’re sharing JD’s story. JD is part of the Hope Haven community and here he recounts how he discovered his passion for welding through “JD’s Creations”…

Hi my name is JD Bumgarner and I have Cerebral Palsy and a learning disability but that has not stopped me from finding my passion which is being creative.

I have always been interested in designing and drawing things.  Even when I was little I would help my Dad put things together without having to look at the directions which is a good thing since I have trouble reading.  School and learning especially math reading and writing have always been hard for me because of my Cerebral Palsy which is a brain injury.  Cerebral Palsy because it is a brain injury makes it harder for me to process information quickly which is why my favorite types of classes have always been art classes where I get to use my creativity.  I enjoy finding new ways of being creative and was excited to discover welding.

I started to weld as part of the 4H Bucket of Junk Challenge a few years ago.  The first piece I created was one that I called “Herky or Cy?”.  My parents were in awe of what I created out of a bucket of junk.

The next year I created a Beagle and a bunny.  And most recently I created a tractor from the bucket of junk.

My parents already knew that I was very creative and good at designing things on paper but now I had a new way to be creative through welding.  I have learned that my brain works differently which isn’t a bad thing because it helps me see and create art out of buckets of junk.  I like to think that I am giving new life to junk that would have been thrown away. 

My parents bought me a welder and welding equipment for Christmas which I started to use right away.  Once Covid 19 hit and schools were cancelled I started welding even more.  I took one of my first pieces the “Iron Indian” to the high school art show at Arts on Grand and it won the “Curator’s Choice Award” and was the first piece of art that I sold.  I am blessed to have supportive parents who encourage and help me use my creativity. 

I came to live with my Mom and Dad when I was 27 months old as part of the foster care system.  My biological sister Chloe and I were adopted by them a few years later.  I also have a younger brother Nate and two beagles at home. My entire family enjoys helping me with my welding. My Mom created a Facebook page called JD’s Creations and posts and sells my pieces there. Both my Mom and Dad help me polish and clean the pieces of junk before and after I weld them.  I’ve even taught my Mom younger sister and brother to weld.  I really enjoy working with my family on my different projects – it has brought us all closer together. I am very blessed and thankful that I get to do what I love.

The post JD’s Creations appeared first on Hope Haven.