Life Changing Wheelchairs

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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Imagine making a big impact on the lives of others by doing something so simple! Meet Lincoln, a third grader at Rock Valley Christian School, who made a difference in the lives of four children in Vietnam with the gift of mobility.

Last year, Lincoln and his classmates participated in the “Blessed to Bless” fundraiser to raise money for a charity of their choice, where his donation went towards Hope Haven International Ministries to provide a wheelchair for a child in another country. For the class project, the students put together a cookbook to sell. After dividing the profits, each student received $24 to donate back to charity.

But it didn’t stop there! Lincoln’s mom, Emily, asked him if he wanted to donate the $24 or if he wanted to increase his donation. After brainstorming ideas for a fundraiser, Lincoln and his family came up with an idea of chocolate-covered strawberries — because who doesn’t like those around Valentine’s Day! After 15 minutes, they sold 14 dozen strawberries to meet Lincoln’s goal of purchasing one wheelchair. But the excitement continued! The word got around to their local church and people began making donations towards Lincoln’s fundraiser. His plan to purchase one wheelchair turned into four wheelchairs.

On November 2022, 168 wheelchairs were delivered on a distribution trip to Vietnam. Lincoln’s four wheelchairs changed the lives for Tran (age 10), Kien (age 7), Vu (age 15), and Tung (age 7). Today, these kids now have the freedom and independence, as well as an opportunity to attend school.

Inspired by Lincoln’s story, we hope you too feel the passion to give a generous gift and participate in the life change of a wheelchair. Your contribution will help us continue to provide service to those in desperate need around the world.

If you wish to contribute, visit  HTTPS://WWW.HOPEHAVEN.ORG/GIVE  today. At Hope Haven, we thank you again for your support and your prayers in serving our mission.

Three children are sitting at a table with strawberries and a bowl of yogurt.

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