International Ministries Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

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.
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On Tuesday, October 29, Hope Haven held a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at our newly remodeled International Ministries headquarters at 521 N. Kiwanis Ave. in Sioux Falls, SD.

For more than 19 years, Hope Haven International Ministries has utilized this warehouse, and in 2012, this location became the new headquarters. Over the years, the exterior and interior elements of the building have deteriorated and were in desperate need of renovations in order to preserve the integrity of our daily operations. Now with the remodel of our building, we created intentional workspaces and solved layout inefficiencies, expand capacity to create refurbish and ship wheelchairs, increase volunteer opportunities, and improve the lives of future wheelchair recipients to receive a gift of mobility.

“What started as one person needing a wheelchair in the Dominican Republic has become a global response to the mobility crisis. Time and again, we witness someone’s life change because they received a wheelchair in a place where they are hard to find or afford. Hope Haven’s work has involved many partners in Rock Valley, IA, Sioux Falls, SD, and throughout our region. Opening our remodeled warehouse allows us to do even more to meet the need,” said Matt Buley, Chief Executive Officer.