Oscar’s First Wheelchair

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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Meet Oscar. Oscar is 28 years.

Everywhere he went he was carried by his father…

Until the day he came to a wheelchair distribution in Costa Rica – where he received his first wheelchair from Hope Haven International Ministries.

Due to his extreme Scoliosis and Cerebral Palsy the seating team had to build a cushion to support the curvature of his spine. When we adjusted his headrest and he was able to keep his head up without someone holding it his face lit up with the biggest smile.

He loved that he could be tilted in his chair and he laughed when we adjusted his footrests (his legs are very ticklish!) We worked on getting the fit of the chair the positioning and seating correct for several hours. When Oscar’s father asked if he could drive Oscar’s new wheels Oscar would communicate no.

There were lots of smiles some tears and most of all – there was the beautiful gift of human generosity and connection. Language barriers and cultural differences fade away and one person connects with another human spirit. This is the beauty of service. This is what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

If you want to volunteer for a wheelchair distribution trip with Hope Haven International Ministries or find other ways to get involved please email Martina at mcastle@hopehaven.org

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