Key to Success

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 .
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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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