Loving Life and Learning New Things

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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In this blog we share a Q&A interview with Lead My Day Instructor Stephanie and what she loves about her job…

Q: How did you come to be in your position? 

A: I was helping Carla (My Day Director) on an outing to Lake Pahoja in July 2015. I told Carla I was enjoying interacting with clients in this setting. Carla asked if I would want to apply for a Day Hab position. I did – it was a happy accident.

Q: What gifts do you bring to your role?

A: I bring patience. I bring creativity which has increased with my experiences. I bring a medical background to help assess the health of clients.

Q: What lessons have you learned working at Hope Haven? 

A: I have learned that the clients we serve love life and want to learn new things.

Q: What is your favorite part of your job? 

A: My favorite part of the job is seeing clients grow in abilities and wanting to do more and participate in activities.

Q: What is your favorite part of your workday?

A: When the clients greet me in the morning and are truly happy to see me.

Q: What is your day not complete without? 

A: My day is not complete without the teamwork with staff and clients throughout the day.

Q: If you were training a new team member what advice would you give them? 

A: I would advise that they give the job time and have patience and understanding while getting to know the clients.

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