State of Iowa Grant

The Gift of Mobility: Luke's Story

By 7017444915 • December 23, 2025

For the entire beginning of his life, Luke lived life on the floor. We met him on our fourth distribution day in Kenya. His arrival at the site was quiet, but his story spoke volumes. Luke, 11, lives with cerebral palsy. Before he was brought to a children’s home for the disabled, he had endured years of neglect. He was tied up, unable to move around, and kept inside his home so his disability would remain hidden. When they found him, he was emaciated, in constant pain, and X-rays revealed a broken hip that had gone untreated for years. His caregiver, Don, brought Luke to our distribution site for the first wheelchair he has ever owned. Fitting his chair took more than two hours, but Luke smiled through every moment of it. He seemed to understand that his world was opening up for the first time. During the fitting, one of our team members stayed by Luke’s side, comforting him. She shared, “I spent a lot of time with him, praying and singing and just stroking the side of his face. And I think that’s one of the things that really got me, I don’t think he’s had much human contact. He would just lean into me, wanting me to keep going, and he grabbed at my hands like he didn’t want to let go.” Every wheelchair you help provide becomes a turning point - a chance for a child to sit upright for the first time, attend school, join their peers, or simply experience life beyond the walls where they were once hidden. For Luke, it meant being seen, supported, and cared for in ways he had never known. This Christmas season, you can give the gift of mobility and change a life forever. Your support ensures that the most vulnerable are not forgotten and brings dignity and hope to children who have endured far too much. Luke is not alone — children like him are waiting across the world. “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” — Matthew 25:40 You can change a life today. Every gift brings light into the darkness and gives children like Luke a future filled with possibility. Thank you for giving children like Luke, and so many others, a chance at dignity and hope. If you wish to contribute, please CLICK HERE to donate today. We are deeply grateful for your support and prayers as we continue our mission to serve and uplift those in need.

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By Hope Haven • October 24, 2025

February 13, 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM

A large group of people are sitting at long tables in a large room.

Benefit Auction

By nicole.andree • October 6, 2025

March 27, 2026

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.