Matt Buley Named 2022 Executive of the Year

Finding His Place: Josh's Journey of Growth

By 7017444915 • July 22, 2025
At Hope Haven, we believe in the profound power of transformation. Every individual carries the potential for growth when given the right support and opportunities. 2 Corinthians 5:17 reminds us of this truth: ‘Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!’ Josh Canny’s story is a powerful testament to this belief. His journey of growth and resilience exemplifies how faith and support can lead to extraordinary change. Josh, born in Spirit Lake, Iowa, found his home at Hope Haven at the age of 18. Now 35, his journey illustrates the power of compassion, opportunity, and community. Josh began in Hope Haven’s Parkview workshop, where he struggled to find fulfillment. However, everything changed with the introduction of the My Choice Employment program, offering Josh the chance to explore community employment. He took this opportunity and thrived. Today, Josh works nearly 40 hours a week at Double HH Manufacturing, contributing across multiple departments. From running machines to packaging, Josh’s versatility and uplifting attitude have become invaluable to his team. Austin Vande Vegte, Operations Manager at Double HH, shares, “Josh’s contributions have had a positive impact on our team. His willingness to learn and help across the plant ensures we deliver quality to our customers on time.” Josh’s journey to independence hasn’t been without challenges. Losing his mother at 13 and experiencing an unstable upbringing left him with little structure or support. For a time, he lived with relatives who didn’t encourage his growth. But at Hope Haven, Josh found stability, relationships built on trust, and the structure he needed to thrive. Over the years, Josh has grown immensely—both at work and in life. He now lives independently in Sioux Center, enjoys cooking, video games, and going out to eat or to the movies with his friends. He has transformed into a kind, respectful person; taking pride in his work ethic and relationships. Amanda, Josh’s longtime Double HH Job Coach, reflects, “Josh has grown so much. Watching him mature and succeed has been like seeing family flourish. I am so proud of the person Josh has become.” Josh’s journey from instability to independence is a powerful example of how lives can be transformed through faith, compassion, and community. At Hope Haven, we know that every individual we serve has their own unique story and potential—just like Josh. Our dedicated staff helps individuals realize their potential, providing the support and encouragement they need to thrive. This story of resilience highlights the importance of supporting individuals in difficult circumstances. With your help, more people like Josh can receive the guidance, care, and opportunities they deserve. Your generosity allows us to expand our programs, equip individuals with necessary resources, and foster environments where they can truly flourish. Together, we can make a lasting impact on their lives and the communities they call home. If you wish to contribute, please CLICK HERE to donate today. At Hope Haven, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your support and prayers in serving our mission now and in the future.
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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.”