New Year New Goals

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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A new year often comes with new resolutions and goals for many individuals businesses and organizations. Hope Haven is no exception; their mission as an international ministry in 2023 is to increase the number of refurbished adult and manufactured kid wheelchairs distributed globally. “Data from the World Health Organization shows that there are 70 million people in the world who need a wheelchair but only 5-15% of them have one ” stated Luke Russell Hope Haven International Ministries Director. “Meaning there are nearly 60 million people who are being carried by their parents dragging themselves on the ground or trapped in a room unable to move by themselves.”

Currently Hope Haven refurbishes approximately 2 500 adult wheelchairs and manufactures nearly 2 500 kid wheelchairs annually. However over the next two years the need for refurbished adult wheelchairs and manufactured kid wheelchairs will increase to about 10 000 chairs each. The ability to meet that goal and increase production by that many depends on the number of volunteers. “Volunteers are the heart and soul of how so many chairs have been distributed across the globe ” stated Terry Meyer Chief Financial Officer. Hope Haven is actively seeking anyone interested in volunteering to help maximize the number of wheelchairs being refurbished and manufactured.

Hope Haven’s vision to provide refurbished wheelchairs for people around the globe began in 1994 after a board member visited the Dominican Republic in 1991 and recognized the need. It was evident that many people do not have the resources to acquire a wheelchair. Hope Haven started refurbishing adult

wheelchairs with great success; however it wasn’t long before the need for kid wheelchairs became a stark reality as well. In 1999 four students attending Dordt College engineered a wheelchair for Hope Haven International to use that was designed for kids. The design came in two different sizes with many adjustable components allowing the wheelchair to grow and change as the child grows. With the help of many volunteers Hope Haven began manufacturing the two sizes of wheelchairs for kids in 2001 while continuing to refurbish adult wheelchairs. “Since the first distribution in 1994 Hope Haven has refurbished and manufactured over 137 000 adult and kid wheelchairs that have been distributed in 109 countries ” stated Meyer.

Hope Haven is eager to have more people interested in volunteering to help refurbish and manufacture wheelchairs. Volunteers work at their own pace and make their schedules. They usually work various days Monday-Friday between 8:00 AM-4:30 PM. Some people work once a week while others work more frequently but any amount of time someone is willing to give is appreciated. People are often concerned about their lack of knowledge and ability to build things but Meyer explains that each person’s skill set is utilized as there are many different jobs and tasks. A variety of tasks include cutting bending or drilling aluminum pipes or plastic blocks for the kid chairs. Some volunteers spend their time assembling brackets and seating frames while others disassemble old adult chairs. Currently one of the greatest needs is for volunteers who can sew the fabric together to make the seats and headrests for the chairs. “We have a huge need for sewers and we have a room at the Rock Valley location for just that ” explained Russell. During their time supporting Hope Haven’s mission volunteers also enjoy the fellowship with one another as they work. 

Maybe your goal for 2023 is to volunteer more or help a great cause. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you or someone you know would like to help further Hope Haven’s mission. Many staff members are available and excited to talk to potential volunteers. The best way to get connected with volunteering is to call or email Drew Smith or Kelly Te Slaa. You can contact Drew at drew.smith@hopehaven.org or 712-470-1737 or Kelly at kteslaa@hopehaven.org. “We get to help change lives for the better and we need all the help we can get to do that ” stated Russell. “After all every extra wheelchair fixed or made is one more we can offer while spreading the Gospel.”

To learn more about volunteering and sign up visit  https://www.hopehaven.org/volunteer

Article Published by Amanda Friedrichsen Staff Writer at the Rock Valley Bee

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