Key to Success

By 7017444915 February 24, 2026
Home looks different for everyone. For Jon, home is now the place he shares with his sister, Shelly. Jon was already living in Shelly’s home when she became one of Hope Haven’s first Host Home providers. What started as a practical next step quickly grew into something far more meaningfu l. As Shelly shared, “Opening our home to Jon was a blessing we didn’t know we needed.” Through Hope Haven’s Host Home program, individuals with disabilities live in the homes of carefully selected providers who offer guidance, companionship, and everyday support. Host Homes are just one of several residential options at Hope Haven, alongside staffed community living homes, because no two individuals require the same level or style of care. What matters most is creating a place where people can live safely, grow their independence, and feel truly included. For Jon, that environment means being part of everyday family life, whether that’s grocery shopping and shared meals or being able to help with Shelly’s in-home daycare. “Living here makes me feel happy,” Jon says. For Shelly’s family, the experience has been transformative. “We’ve all become more patient and understanding,” she shares. “My boys have learned gratitude, acceptance, and what it means to truly welcome someone into your life.” That mutual impact is what makes Host Homes unique. “It doesn’t feel like a job,” Shelly explains. “It’s more of a relationship. You get to help someone feel independent, yet safe.” She was quick to add that the impact goes both ways. As she puts it, “You just might meet your best friend.” Because of supporters like you, individuals like Jon have the opportunity to live in a home where they are supported and valued — not just as clients, but as people. Your generosity makes it possible for Hope Haven to offer a range of residential supports, creating safe, stable, relationship-centered living options for individuals with disabilities right here in our communities. “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” — Romans 12:10 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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Three years ago life looked much different for Gabe Banwart.  Diagnosed with schizophrenia anxiety disorder and ADHD Gabe was homeless and deep in the throes of drug addiction.  He had tried different treatment programs but had not experienced success.  Life felt erratic and the daily struggles were overwhelming. 

Through the grace of God Gabe is in a different place today. “Hope Haven helped me get it together.  It changed my life ” he explains.  Gabe participates in Key to Success (KTS)  a program of intensive psychiatric rehabilitation with the goal of role recovery as the focus of the intervention.  

According to Jenna Ramirez Gabe’s IPR Practitioner with KTS  Gabe has thrived in the program.  “The first time I met him I had my doubts. He didn’t like authority but I give everyone a chance. Through the program he’s met others with similar symptoms.  I think it’s comforting for participants to be around others who have experienced the same things.” In addition to interacting with others in the program  Gabe appreciates Jenna’s ability to understand and listen. “Jenna really gets down to our level to help us she sits with us and talks with us ” he notes.   

Gabe participates in KTS two mornings a week meeting both individually and in groups.  He enjoys spending time with the close friends he’s made through KTS and is approaching the two year mark with his employment at Dunham Sporting Goods in Spencer Iowa. One of Gabe’s goals is to get his own place to live and he’s getting closer to making that a reality.  A hopeful future is a new feeling for Gabe and he credits KTS with helping him write this chapter of his story.  When asked about the impact KTS has had on him he sums it up pretty simply: “It saved my life.” 

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