Orange City Shop Celebrates 500th Seating System

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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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.