Mental Health & Recovery Program Updates

A Place to Belong: Jon's Story

By 7017444915 • February 24, 2026
Home looks different for everyone. For Jon, home is now the place he shares with his sister, Shelly. Jon was already living in Shelly’s home when she became one of Hope Haven’s first Host Home providers. What started as a practical next step quickly grew into something far more meaningfu l. As Shelly shared, “Opening our home to Jon was a blessing we didn’t know we needed.” Through Hope Haven’s Host Home program, individuals with disabilities live in the homes of carefully selected providers who offer guidance, companionship, and everyday support. Host Homes are just one of several residential options at Hope Haven, alongside staffed community living homes, because no two individuals require the same level or style of care. What matters most is creating a place where people can live safely, grow their independence, and feel truly included. For Jon, that environment means being part of everyday family life, whether that’s grocery shopping and shared meals or being able to help with Shelly’s in-home daycare. “Living here makes me feel happy,” Jon says. For Shelly’s family, the experience has been transformative. “We’ve all become more patient and understanding,” she shares. “My boys have learned gratitude, acceptance, and what it means to truly welcome someone into your life.” That mutual impact is what makes Host Homes unique. “It doesn’t feel like a job,” Shelly explains. “It’s more of a relationship. You get to help someone feel independent, yet safe.” She was quick to add that the impact goes both ways. As she puts it, “You just might meet your best friend.” Because of supporters like you, individuals like Jon have the opportunity to live in a home where they are supported and valued — not just as clients, but as people. Your generosity makes it possible for Hope Haven to offer a range of residential supports, creating safe, stable, relationship-centered living options for individuals with disabilities right here in our communities. “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” — Romans 12:10 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 →

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.