Spiritual Retreats Draw Record Number of Attendees

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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While this year’s Spiritual Retreats looked a bit different than years past that didn’t impact attendance. In fact the two retreats hosted this fall noted record numbers. With a new hybrid format attendees could opt to join virtually via zoom or attend in person with social distancing and other safety parameters in place. This year’s theme was “Everyone Has a Gift to Share”. The individual sessions consisted of topics like “Made in God’s Image” “The Gospel of God’s Love” “What are Spiritual Gifts?” and “What is My Spiritual Gift?”.  

Hosted by Hope Haven’s Spiritual Support Manager Daniel DeVries and Spiritual Support Associate Jim Hudzinski spiritual retreats are held each year and serve as an available resource for individuals served by Hope Haven. This year’s fall retreats were held on two dates throughout the month of November and included around 170 participants from the following locations: Estherville Hull Orange City Rock Rapids Rock Valley Sioux Center Spirit Lake and Spencer. There will be another retreat in Minnesota in early 2021.