Volunteers: Scott Dale & Pete

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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From our very first day of operation Hope Haven has been blessed by tremendous individuals volunteering their time and talents. They vary in age background  and skill sets but share the common thread of simply wanting to help others.   

Pete Mellema  Dale Thorpe and Scott Thorson all volunteer for Hope Haven International Ministries at the Sioux Falls location. They each came to Hope Haven through different paths.  Pete heard a presentation at his church and a seed was planted.  Dale started out serving on the International Ministries Advisory Council after being connected through a different community engagement. For Scott a distribution trip to Vietnam was especially impactful sparking a relationship with Hope Haven that continues long after he returned home. 

All three men spend a portion of their time driving for Hope Haven International Ministries delivering wheelchairs to refurbishment centers around the Midwest and returning them to Sioux Falls when they’re completed. In addition to driving Scott has been instrumental in instituting a wood shop where they build trays seat backs lateral pieces and foot rests for wheelchairs. Pete and Dale also help out in the wood shop and assist with boxing up wheelchairs for shipment. 

The men have also shared their gifts on many distribution trips traveling to Guatemala Vietnam and Romania. They are filled with stories from their trips and come back with renewed perspectives on how God can use them to serve. They appreciate the opportunity to do meaningful work and bless others in the process.  As Pete points out  “It’s like it is in the Bible.  There’s a need and God chose imperfect people to do the work.” 

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