Matt Buley Named 2022 Executive of the Year

Peace of Mind, Redefined

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.
Show More
A group of people are playing instruments on a stage in front of a crowd.

Dueling Duo’s: Keys to Love

By Hope Haven • October 24, 2025
February 13, 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
A large group of people are sitting at long tables in a large room.

Benefit Auction

By nicole.andree • October 6, 2025
March 27, 2026
More Posts →

Hope Haven is pleased to announce that Matt Buley Chief Executive Officer has been named the 2022 Executive of the Year by the Iowa Association of Community Providers (IACP). IACP supports over 125 Iowa disability service providers on behalf of individuals with disabilities including Hope Haven.

IACP CEO Shelly Chandler had this to say about Buley “Not only is Matt a powerful voice for Hope Haven but for all the community providers across the state. His legislative advocacy has been invaluable leading to two years of unprecedented rate increases.” Chandler continues “While Matt is relatively new to the sector and state he has had an immediate impact on the lives of thousands of people.” Buley has served Hope Haven as CEO since August 2017.

In each of the last two years Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has signed off on increased funding for disability services after a lot of work by Iowa legislators and in partnership with IACP and providers like Hope Haven. These increases were a desperately needed move in light of staffing shortages that result in too much turnover for those in need of support. The long-standing issue was further exasperated by the pandemic.

Buley sits on the IACP Government Relations Committee the IACP Board of Directors and the Executive Committee of the Board as Treasurer. Chandler notes “He is a natural leader able to see the big picture and vision for industry services while advocating to make incremental progress for the system through rules regulations and funding. “

Buley was honored at a recent IACP gathering and shares “I was completely surprised and equally humbled to be presented with the award. Truly this reflects the strength of the Hope Haven team many of whom were here making an outsized impact well before me. I’m proud to be a part of this remarkable mission.” He continues “As far as advocacy goes we have a lot of work yet to do. Too many providers are still so short of staff they are turning away people with disabilities. We are better than that.”