Volunteers: Scott Dale & Pete

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.
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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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