Vision Matters

A Place to Belong: Jon's Story

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.

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 →

Imagine you and I are sitting in church together and the pastor opens the Bible to the story of David and Goliath. If we stopped and polled the congregation in that moment most would probably guess the message was going to focus on faith. The greatest underdog story of all time certainly has a lot to do with faith. 

I read something recently that focused on another part of the story. The author talked about the crucial matter of vision to David’s success. His ability to see the situation differently and to take a different approach than the fight the giant was asking for was a big part of that faith victory. 

How and where we place our vision matters. That fact is on my mind at Hope Haven. For starters we are just kicking off a new Strategic Plan with seven core directives. We are going to be moving Hope Haven forward in several important ways in the next three years. 

We’ve also had to see differently when it comes to mental health services. A program that had been struggling because of limited income possibilities ended in June. That’s a big shift in our services but aligns with the need to proceed wisely for the best interest of Hope Haven’s future. It’s hard to end any program but we rest assured that the people we served will have plenty of choice at other providers for continuing their services.  

Finally vision applies to how we do employment. The state deadline for closing employment workshops has arrived and Hope Haven complied with that big change even though we don’t entirely agree with it. We have moved initiatives forward to engage people in their community with employment or our My Day programs for meaningful day activities. 

In all of this vision matters. We have to see the fight as a matter of faith. We continue to open new homes. We continue to lead in the state on who has the opportunity to work. We continue to have a statewide impact on training of best practices. God is leading Hope Haven. He’s giving us faith to stay strong and eyes to proceed well. 

Matt Buley CEO

The post Vision Matters appeared first on Hope Haven.