The Right Direction

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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In this blog we share what DSP & Shuttle Driver Robin loves about her job. Robin has been an employee out of Worthington MN since 1989. Keep reading below to learn more about Robin in her interview!

How did you come to be in your position? Did you seek it out or fall into it by happy accident?

I was looking for a job 30 years ago and saw the ad in the newspaper.  I thought it would be fun.  I really did not know what I was applying for or had any idea about what I would be doing.

What gifts do you bring to your role?

I am a pretty patient person and just by doing my job I am making a difference in a persons life.

What lessons have you learned since working at Hope Haven?

Just gained a better understanding that everyone wants to be treated as an individual and if you do that you will be better received.

What is your favorite part of your job?

In the mornings when I pick them up their day is sort of determined by that first interaction.  I always try to greet them with a smile and engage them in small talk to get their day started off in the right direction.  I also often times redirect them in a different direction if they had not had a good start at their home or apartment.  This is also quality time before the work starts. 

What is your favorite part of your workday?

Observing the employee being able to independently complete a task and master a skill that I trained them in. 

What’s the hardest part of your job?

Trying to be fair and equal with everyone that I supervise and meet their needs/demands but also getting the work done in a timely manner.

What is your day not complete without?

Knowing that the workers are safe and happy.

If you were training a new team member what advice would you give them?

To be patient and do not judge.  Everyone is an individual and are here for a reason.  Look for the worker’s strengths and focus on those and work around them.  Forget about the weaknesses. 

Name three things on your bucket list.

1. Get out of debt before I retire

2. Spend the winter months down south.

3. Open a cat shelter.

 

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