Orange City Shop Celebrates 500th Seating System

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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The Hope Haven International Ministries shop in Orange City IA recently completed their 500th seating set! This shop started making seating systems for Hope Haven’s 14 inch KidChair in 2020. These pediatric wheelchairs are sent to children in need of mobility around the world through HHIM distribution trips.

Each week 11 volunteers come into the Orange City shop to work on the seating systems. This process includes tracing and cutting the materials gluing foam sewing patterns together stapling and drilling holes for mounting. Once each step is completed the seating set is sent to the Rock Valley shop to be put onto the KidChair. In August the Orange City shop officially finished 500 seating systems that will change the lives of children!

Volunteers at the Orange City shop explain their experience “I enjoy being able to use the skills I have to give kids the opportunity of mobility and not need to be carried by someone.” Another volunteer explains “These wheelchairs allow children around the world to get to school for an education or get a job which they couldn’t have done before.”

The work of these volunteers does not go unnoticed and we are so appreciative for how they are changing children’s lives around the world! With the need for pediatric wheelchairs increasing please consider volunteering today and making a difference in the lives of children. To learn more about Hope Haven International Ministries visit hopehaven.org.