Meet Laurie Bailey, a 22-year-old from Peterson, Iowa

Hope Haven Ambassadors: Changing the Narrative

By 7017444915 • June 26, 2026
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others…” 1 Peter 4:10 At Hope Haven, we believe every person has God-given gifts to share. That belief is at the heart of the Hope Haven Ambassadors, a group of individuals served through Hope Haven’s My Day program who are learning to use their voices, share their stories, and advocate for themselves and others. The Ambassadors were formed in January 2025 after a community experience sparked a bigger conversation about inclusion, dignity, and the way individuals with disabilities are perceived. Since then, the group has been working to help change that narrative. The Ambassadors have presented to community groups, attended advocacy trainings, traveled to the Capitol, and spoken about issues that matter. Along the way, they are building confidence, developing leadership skills, and helping others understand that every person deserves to be included and respected. For Maggie, being an Ambassador is about helping her community see people with disabilities as equals. “I want individuals with disabilities to be treated as equal to everybody else,” she shared. “I want my community to know it’s okay to be different.” For Lori, the message is simple but powerful. “We are regular people who have different challenges,” she said. “I want to help my community understand that people with disabilities are not less of a person because of their disabilities.” For Octavio, advocacy means using his voice not only for himself, but also for others who may struggle to speak up for what they need. Through his experience with the Ambassadors, he has learned something important: “Our voice matters.” Programs like My Day are about so much more than daily activities. They are about friendship, confidence, purpose, community, and belonging. They create opportunities for people to discover their strengths, build relationships, serve others, and take part in the world around them. Your support helps us continue creating opportunities like the Hope Haven Ambassadors, where individuals can build confidence, share their stories, and discover the power of their voice. Your gift allows us to keep growing alongside those we serve, making an impact that lasts. If you wish to contribute, plea se CLICK HERE to donate today. Thank you for your continued support, prayers, and partnership in Hope Haven’s mission .
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Each person has a unique story… and it’s our privilege to share with you a glimpse into the lives of our Hope Haven friends, highlighting their talents and the positive impact they make in their community. 

Meet Laurie Bailey, a 22-year-old from Peterson, Iowa

Laurie has been utilizing Hope Haven’s services for the past four years as part of the My Day program and Employment Services. In May 2021, Laurie began participating in the My Day skills unlimited track, that allowed her to work on employment skills. This program assisted her in identifying interests and setting goals to ensure the best experience in a job of her choice. 


During her time in the programs, Jacqueline, Laurie’s Employment Specialist, observed Laurie’s interest in fashion, which led her to meet with Crystal, TJ-Maxx Manager in Spencer, IA. 

In July 2023, TJ-Maxx hired Laurie! “I love my job because I make people happy,” says Laurie. Her responsibility at TJ-Maxx is greeting customers, assisting them in the fitting room, and helping the customers find what they are looking for. “ Being able to interact with the customers and being part of a team are things I truly enjoy and make me feel happy.”

“ We appreciate Laurie every day with her bubbly attitude, willingness to work, and to put a smile on customers’ faces,” says Crystal. “The partnership with Hope Haven has been very positive and supportive to watch Laurie grow into her role, where there is no interference with a job coach unless she needs assistance. Laurie has great customer service, a positive attitude, overall – a great asset to the team, which led to her receiving a well-deserved raise based on her outstanding annual performance.”

As we approach the end of our fiscal year, you can support Hope Haven to help offer more opportunities to individuals like Laurie. With you, more people can pursue their passions and find meaning in their lives. Your contribution will enable us to continue our growth within our communities and by making a difference in the lives of those we serve.

If you wish to contribute, please  CLICK HERE  to donate today. We thank you for your support and prayers in serving our mission today and in the future.