My Day Learns About Nutrition

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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From April – August 2022 the Orange City My Day program has been learning about nutrition.  Donna Mills and several students from the Iowa State University Extension Office came to Orange City once a week to teach the group cooking skills and how to plan nutritious meals. 

My Day Manager Erin stated “Each session was met with excitement from everyone who participated and it was great to see the relationships built between community and our members.” 

One highlight was making smoothies in a blender that was powered by a bicycle (see picture below). The group also learned how to make flavored water with fruit and herbs did some menu planning and baked healthy treats. Each person was given a laminated notecard with nutrition facts and suggestions for different foods each week for future reference. 

Thank you to Donna and all the students from ISU who came to help out! Learn more about Hope Haven’s My Day program by visiting  https://www.hopehaven.org/what-we-do/day-habilitation  

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