State of Iowa Grant

Hope Haven Ambassadors: Changing the Narrative

By 7017444915 • June 26, 2026

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others…” 1 Peter 4:10 At Hope Haven, we believe every person has God-given gifts to share. That belief is at the heart of the Hope Haven Ambassadors, a group of individuals served through Hope Haven’s My Day program who are learning to use their voices, share their stories, and advocate for themselves and others. The Ambassadors were formed in January 2025 after a community experience sparked a bigger conversation about inclusion, dignity, and the way individuals with disabilities are perceived. Since then, the group has been working to help change that narrative. The Ambassadors have presented to community groups, attended advocacy trainings, traveled to the Capitol, and spoken about issues that matter. Along the way, they are building confidence, developing leadership skills, and helping others understand that every person deserves to be included and respected. For Maggie, being an Ambassador is about helping her community see people with disabilities as equals. “I want individuals with disabilities to be treated as equal to everybody else,” she shared. “I want my community to know it’s okay to be different.” For Lori, the message is simple but powerful. “We are regular people who have different challenges,” she said. “I want to help my community understand that people with disabilities are not less of a person because of their disabilities.” For Octavio, advocacy means using his voice not only for himself, but also for others who may struggle to speak up for what they need. Through his experience with the Ambassadors, he has learned something important: “Our voice matters.” Programs like My Day are about so much more than daily activities. They are about friendship, confidence, purpose, community, and belonging. They create opportunities for people to discover their strengths, build relationships, serve others, and take part in the world around them. Your support helps us continue creating opportunities like the Hope Haven Ambassadors, where individuals can build confidence, share their stories, and discover the power of their voice. Your gift allows us to keep growing alongside those we serve, making an impact that lasts. If you wish to contribute, plea se CLICK HERE to donate today. Thank you for your continued support, prayers, and partnership in Hope Haven’s mission .

A group of people are playing instruments on a stage in front of a crowd.

Dueling Duo’s: Keys to Love

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.