Key to Success

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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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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