The Right Direction

By 7017444915 February 24, 2026
Home looks different for everyone. For Jon, home is now the place he shares with his sister, Shelly. Jon was already living in Shelly’s home when she became one of Hope Haven’s first Host Home providers. What started as a practical next step quickly grew into something far more meaningfu l. As Shelly shared, “Opening our home to Jon was a blessing we didn’t know we needed.” Through Hope Haven’s Host Home program, individuals with disabilities live in the homes of carefully selected providers who offer guidance, companionship, and everyday support. Host Homes are just one of several residential options at Hope Haven, alongside staffed community living homes, because no two individuals require the same level or style of care. What matters most is creating a place where people can live safely, grow their independence, and feel truly included. For Jon, that environment means being part of everyday family life, whether that’s grocery shopping and shared meals or being able to help with Shelly’s in-home daycare. “Living here makes me feel happy,” Jon says. For Shelly’s family, the experience has been transformative. “We’ve all become more patient and understanding,” she shares. “My boys have learned gratitude, acceptance, and what it means to truly welcome someone into your life.” That mutual impact is what makes Host Homes unique. “It doesn’t feel like a job,” Shelly explains. “It’s more of a relationship. You get to help someone feel independent, yet safe.” She was quick to add that the impact goes both ways. As she puts it, “You just might meet your best friend.” Because of supporters like you, individuals like Jon have the opportunity to live in a home where they are supported and valued — not just as clients, but as people. Your generosity makes it possible for Hope Haven to offer a range of residential supports, creating safe, stable, relationship-centered living options for individuals with disabilities right here in our communities. “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” — Romans 12:10 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.
Show More
A group of people are playing instruments on a stage in front of a crowd.
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.
By nicole.andree October 6, 2025
March 27, 2026
More Posts →

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.

 

The post The Right Direction appeared first on Hope Haven.