Pathway to Employment: My Day Updates

Peace of Mind, Redefined

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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Our “My Day” program (formerly known as “Day Habilitation”) is designed to enable an individual to enrich his or her life and enjoy a full range of community engagement by providing opportunities for developing enhancing and maintaining competency in personal social and community activities.

The Iowa Department of Human Services recently made an amendment to the rules governing  Day Habilitation. The purpose of this was to clarify that day habilitation services may provide a pathway to employment. The amendment clarified that activities provided through day habilitation to assist members in participating in the community developing social roles and responsibilities and increasing independence can now also  include the potential for employment. These new rules went into effect Feb 1 2021.

All staff providing My Day services will now complete additional training in adherence with the new rules. Our staff have completed training in the areas of person centered planning job readiness skills and community inclusion. Examples of  employment driven activities include: Volunteering for non profit organizations connected to potential career interests workplace visits/tours soft skill development (dressing for work social interactions at work time management) and community integration experiences to support fuller participation in community life.  

We want to continue to think work for all members participating in the My Day programs and that those having aspirations to work will be able to have that dream realized.  We strive to be an outcome focused program and that outcome supports a person to become a valued member of the community or part of a community group or leads to a volunteer opportunity or leads to employment.