Meet Isabella

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… Is there a current shortage of it? Is it conceivable that the voices we hear around us are more concerned with fear than with hope? Fortunately, our faith serves as a constant reminder that even though this world isn’t our permanent home, it is still in our Heavenly Father’s tender care, and we can put our trust in His unfailing love and protection. Thanks to God’s blessings and the faithful support of friends like you, over 137,604 people have celebrated hope because Hope Haven provided them a wheelchair!

June 1, 2023, was a special day of rejoicing for Isabella and her family as they were finally given the opportunity to have the life-changing experience they had been waiting for! Isabella, a four-year-old from San Jose, Costa Rica, was born eight weeks early and weighed just under 2 pounds. When she was born, there was little hope for life, but by the grace of God, she made progress until she was a year old. It was discovered she had no muscle tone. At age 2, she was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy.

While Isabella’s parents seek to give her everything necessary to thrive, they couldn’t afford a wheelchair. According to the World Health Organization, nearly 1 billion people around the world live with disabilities, and 90% of them don’t have access to the mobility equipment they need. Without a wheelchair, Isabella spent a lot of time at home, missing out on socializing with her peers, the opportunity to attend school, and the possibility of attending church.

From HHIM and supporters like you, God has opened up a new way to help meet Isabella’s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. As therapists and wheelchair technicians worked to ensure that Isabella’s new wheelchair fit properly, teaching her for the first time how to use her hands to push the wheel… happy tears were streaming down her parents’ faces as they could now see a brighter future for their daughter. Clearly seeing the God’s love every time they look at Isabella’s wheelchair, knowing love always protects, always perseveres, and never fails.

If you wish to contribute, please click here https://www.hopehaven.org/give/ to donate today.

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