State of Iowa Grant

Finding His Place: Josh's Journey of Growth

By 7017444915 • July 22, 2025
At Hope Haven, we believe in the profound power of transformation. Every individual carries the potential for growth when given the right support and opportunities. 2 Corinthians 5:17 reminds us of this truth: ‘Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!’ Josh Canny’s story is a powerful testament to this belief. His journey of growth and resilience exemplifies how faith and support can lead to extraordinary change. Josh, born in Spirit Lake, Iowa, found his home at Hope Haven at the age of 18. Now 35, his journey illustrates the power of compassion, opportunity, and community. Josh began in Hope Haven’s Parkview workshop, where he struggled to find fulfillment. However, everything changed with the introduction of the My Choice Employment program, offering Josh the chance to explore community employment. He took this opportunity and thrived. Today, Josh works nearly 40 hours a week at Double HH Manufacturing, contributing across multiple departments. From running machines to packaging, Josh’s versatility and uplifting attitude have become invaluable to his team. Austin Vande Vegte, Operations Manager at Double HH, shares, “Josh’s contributions have had a positive impact on our team. His willingness to learn and help across the plant ensures we deliver quality to our customers on time.” Josh’s journey to independence hasn’t been without challenges. Losing his mother at 13 and experiencing an unstable upbringing left him with little structure or support. For a time, he lived with relatives who didn’t encourage his growth. But at Hope Haven, Josh found stability, relationships built on trust, and the structure he needed to thrive. Over the years, Josh has grown immensely—both at work and in life. He now lives independently in Sioux Center, enjoys cooking, video games, and going out to eat or to the movies with his friends. He has transformed into a kind, respectful person; taking pride in his work ethic and relationships. Amanda, Josh’s longtime Double HH Job Coach, reflects, “Josh has grown so much. Watching him mature and succeed has been like seeing family flourish. I am so proud of the person Josh has become.” Josh’s journey from instability to independence is a powerful example of how lives can be transformed through faith, compassion, and community. At Hope Haven, we know that every individual we serve has their own unique story and potential—just like Josh. Our dedicated staff helps individuals realize their potential, providing the support and encouragement they need to thrive. This story of resilience highlights the importance of supporting individuals in difficult circumstances. With your help, more people like Josh can receive the guidance, care, and opportunities they deserve. Your generosity allows us to expand our programs, equip individuals with necessary resources, and foster environments where they can truly flourish. Together, we can make a lasting impact on their lives and the communities they call home. If you wish to contribute, please CLICK HERE to donate today. At Hope Haven, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your support and prayers in serving our mission now and in the future.
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Growing Opportunities
  • Construction of (3) new zero-entry handicap accessible homes
  • Purchase of (7) handicap accessible wheelchair vans
  • Purchase & implementation of new Electronic Health Record software

Hope Haven has recently been awarded a grant from the State of Iowa. The funds from this grant are being put towards the three projects listed above. These three projects will allow Hope Haven to provide the best quality care possible, and growing opportunities for clients to be involved in their communities.

“Hope Haven is thrilled to share we were the recipient of a special government grant that will have a big impact on our services. The state of Iowa chose to invest in Hope Haven, and those we support, in a significant way through this grant! Thanks to Terry Meyer, CFO, and all who made this possible!” -Matt Buley, CEO

ZERO-ENTRY HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE HOMES

Hope Haven provides home and community based services (HCBS) to individuals in 49 residential sites in 14 different communities. A majority of these homes are multi-level, with multiple steps and cumbersome floor layouts that make mobility a challenge. The opportunity to build zero-entry homes will allow Hope Haven to provide services to individuals with disabilities as they age so they may remain living in their community.

This grant will allow for the construction of 3 new zero-entry handicap accessible homes that will be built in Iowa – Spencer, Estherville, and Sioux Center. Not only will the funds enhance the HCBS services provided, it will also increase Hope Haven’s capacity to serve individuals in their communities as they age. These homes will have an open floor plan, zero entrance, extra wide hallways, large bedrooms, and accommodate mechanical lifts. These features will allow clients to live more independently, living a full, and meaningful life.

HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE WHEELCHAIR VANS

As stated, many of the individuals Hope Haven provides services to have been with the agency for many years, resulting in a higher aging population with growing limitations of mobility. Therefore, the availability of a wheelchair accessible van will be essential to allow clients to be active in their communities.

Hope Haven has purchased seven new wheelchair accessible vans that will be utilized for two programs. First, daily HCBS residential services will use the vans to transport clients to day services such as volunteering in the community. Secondly, the My Day program will utilize the transportation to engage in purposeful activities, such as job tours, health and wellness programs, and visiting community resources such as the library, art studios, and museums. With a growing attendance in these programs, the new wheelchair accessible vans will provide opportunities for each client to attend.

ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORD SOFTWARE

Lastly, Hope Haven will be implementing a new Electronic Health Record (E.H.R.) software. E.H.R. is where Hope Haven records and stores data consisting of personal information, authorizations, service planning, event records, and billing information. Currently, Hope Haven has 400+ staff utilizing the software on a daily basis to support their clients. This technology allows for effectiveness and efficiency in carrying out the services Hope Haven provides.

Hope Haven has used the same E.H.R. system since 2016 and will now be moving on to a new E.H.R. software called SETWorks. The decision on which E.H.R. to switch to was largely made due to SETWorks priority on being a Residential, Day and Employment software – which are core services Hope Haven provides. The implementation of the new software will provide a more reliable and trustworthy data base for client’s information, allowing for ease of work for staff and a more secure system overall.

“Our goal through this transition is to positively modify daily workflow, as well as improve on some features we currently have but find ourselves wanting more out of.”
-Jake Anderson, IT Manager

Hope Haven extends great thanks to the State of Iowa for awarding this grant. Not only will it ensure safety within the organization, but also make a positive difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities.

A black and white photo of a large house with two garages.
A row of white vans are parked in a grassy field.

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