Mental Health & Recovery Program Updates

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.
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Here’s an update on some of our Mental Health & Recovery programs provided by Hope Haven Mental Health Manager Carolyn Salberg.

Peer Support

Peer Support’s six Recovery Mentors continue to walk the pathway towards recovery alongside individuals struggling with mental health issues.  Strides toward recovery are regularly witnessed as the mentors guide and support the participants while they work to break isolation learn appropriate coping tools build relationships and acquire social skills.

Peer Support has had an average of 67 participants over the past 12 months and has worked with participants in 16 different towns in Northwest Iowa. This number is on the increase due to the opening of Hope Haven community living homes in Le Mars. This has necessitated the hiring of another staff member and has spotlighted the need for even more Mental Health education in the Peer Support department.

Key to Success

Key to Success’ four practitioners have been hard at work assisting participants in realizing their dreams by obtaining or recovering successful and satisfying roles in their community. The popularity of the program exists due to the success of the practitioners and participants.

Key to Success has had an average of 26 participants over the past 12 months and has worked with clients spread all over Northwest Iowa. A fourth staff member was hired for this program and staff have been hard at work to increase the numbers of participants receiving the high levels of service that Key to Success has continually provided over the years.