Team Building Experiences: Escape Room

A Perfect Match: Ryan’s Employment Story

By 7017444915 • May 29, 2026
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” Colossians 3:23 For many years, Ryan made his living as a truck driver. It was work he knew well, but when health concerns made it necessary for him to make a change, he found himself facing an uncertain future. In March of 2024, Ryan was referred to Hope Haven through Vocational Rehabilitation Services for help finding meaningful employment. Like many people starting over, the path was not immediate or easy. Ryan and his employment specialist explored many different opportunities, but the right fit had not yet come along. Then, in April of 2025, BioVerse entered the picture. BioVerse had partnered with Hope Haven before, both through in-house production work and by welcoming individuals on-site to help with production needs. When they began looking for an office assistant, Ryan came to mind. Although he had never worked in an office role, he had basic computer knowledge, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn. A work trial was arranged, and almost immediately, it became clear that Ryan and BioVerse were a perfect match. Since joining the team, Ryan has become an important part of BioVerse’s daily operations. His supervisor, Lori Henning, shared that Ryan has shown “a rare combination of technical curiosity and a can-do work ethic.” He has embraced new technology, including AI, to help solve software challenges, and when production needs increased, he stepped onto the manufacturing floor without hesitation. Lori wrote, “He hasn’t just filled a role; he has enriched our company culture and reminded us of the value of a truly dedicated partner.” For Ryan, this opportunity was not simply about finding a new job. It was about finding a place where his skills could shine in a new way. His story shows us that when people are connected with meaningful work, they do more than just fill a role. They strengthen an entire workplace. Your support helps open the door for people like Ryan. Because of your generosity, Hope Haven can continue building partnerships with local employers and help people find places where their skills and strengths are truly valued. 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.
Show More
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
More Posts →

By now most of you have probably heard of the “escape rooms” offered in Sioux Falls and other places as a fun activity for families friends and co-workers. The premise? Get locked in a room with your nearest and dearest with a puzzle to solve before time runs out. I’ve wanted to try out this activity since I first started hearing about them so when Life 96.5 announced they were giving away chances for non-profit organizations to participate in the mobile version of “The Escape Unit ” I registered the Orange City office in a heartbeat.

And we won!

Two short weeks later our Community Living team sat outside The Escape Unit trailer enjoying a delicious lunch courtesy of the Pita Pit (also part of the winning package) before it was our time to enter. We didn’t know what to expect because the puzzles for escape rooms vary; sometimes they involve reaching a distant object with only the tools you are given decoding a cipher determining the lock combination or as it turned out in our case defusing a (make-believe) bomb.

Our mission which we were happy to accept was to get through all the clues to diffuse the explosive and save our town from destruction. Luckily my group and I are no strangers to challenges surprises and problem-solving. We approached each task with enthusiasm intelligence and a sense of humor. Despite our best and brightest efforts however were ultimately unsuccessful in disarming the bomb in time (sorry Orange City). 

The larger lesson was obvious: the escape room reminded us what strengths we each brought to the team how to lean on each other when needed and how to laugh when the best efforts went awry. While it’s unfortunate we had to blow up our lovely hometown in the process it was a great experience that helped us grow as a group—and one I would recommend to any organization or family looking to strengthen connections and have a little fun.

We ended the day with Culver’s ice cream (concrete mixers seemed appropriate). 

Huge thanks to Life 96.5  Pita Pit and Culver’s for a day none of us will soon forget. And thankfully the town of Orange City escaped unscathed.