Rotary Partnership

Rotary Partnership

PEOPLE OF ACTION. PARTNERS OF MOBILITY

For more than two decades, Rotary clubs have helped Hope Haven International Ministries bring mobility, dignity, and opportunity to children and adults living with disabilities around the world. What began with one presentation to Sioux Falls West Rotary in 2005 has grown into a far-reaching partnership involving international grants, wheelchair collection drives, volunteer service, distribution trips, fundraising events, and humanitarian relief. Together, Hope Haven and Rotary are turning compassion into action — one wheelchair, one family, and one community at a time.

PEOPLE OF ACTION. PARTNERS OF MOBILITY.

For more than two decades, Rotary clubs have helped Hope Haven International Ministries bring mobility, dignity, and opportunity to children and adults living with disabilities around the world. What began with one presentation to Sioux Falls West Rotary in 2005 has grown into a far-reaching partnership involving international grants, wheelchair collection drives, volunteer service, distribution trips, fundraising events, and humanitarian relief. Together, Hope Haven and Rotary are turning compassion into action — one wheelchair, one family, and one community at a time.

CONTACT OUR INTERNATIONAL MINISTRIES TEAM

A PARTNERSHIP BUILT TO LAST

Hope Haven International Ministries first connected with Sioux Falls West Rotary in 2005. Later that year, representatives from Hope Haven and the club traveled to Romania, where they established a relationship with the Bârlad Rotary Club.

With support from Rotary clubs in the United States and Romania, the partnership secured an approximately $35,000 Rotary International grant. In 2006, the first wheelchair distribution team traveled to Bârlad to fulfill the grant and provide mobility equipment to individuals in need.

That first project became the beginning of a lasting international collaboration. Since then, Rotary clubs have helped fund and carry out wheelchair projects in Romania, Ukraine, the Philippines, the Pine Ridge Reservation, and other communities around the world.

A PARTNERSHIP BUILT TO LAST

Hope Haven International Ministries first connected with Sioux Falls West Rotary in 2005. Later that year, representatives from Hope Haven and the club traveled to Romania, where they established a relationship with the Bârlad Rotary Club.

With support from Rotary clubs in the United States and Romania, the partnership secured an approximately $35,000 Rotary International grant. In 2006, the first wheelchair distribution team traveled to Bârlad to fulfill the grant and provide mobility equipment to individuals in need.

That first project became the beginning of a lasting international collaboration. Since then, Rotary clubs have helped fund and carry out wheelchair projects in Romania, Ukraine, the Philippines, the Pine Ridge Reservation, and other communities around the world.

THE IMPACT OF ROTARY PARTNERSHIP

Through the commitment of Rotary clubs, individual Rotarians, and Rotary International grants:

$600K+

Raised to fund wheelchair projects

100+

Rotarians from District 5610 have joined international distribution trips

25+

Rotary clubs in the district have supported Hope Haven through funding, service, or collections

$200k+

Contributed toward humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine

Rotary-supported projects have reached communities in Romania, Ukraine, the Philippines, Canada, the United States, and beyond — helping Hope Haven provide custom-fitted wheelchairs while strengthening local organizations and creating sustainable pathways for future service.

THE IMPACT OF ROTARY PARTNERSHIP

Through the commitment of Rotary clubs, individual Rotarians, and Rotary International grants:

$600K+

Raised to fund

wheelchair projects

100+

Rotarians from District 5610 have joined international distribution trips

25+

Rotary clubs in the district have supported Hope Haven through funding, service, or collections

$200k+

Contributed toward humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine

Rotary-supported projects have reached communities in Romania, Ukraine, the Philippines, Canada, the United States, and beyond — helping Hope Haven provide custom-fitted wheelchairs while strengthening local organizations and creating sustainable pathways for future service.

HOW ROTARY CLUBS CAN GET INVOLVED

Every Rotary club is different, and there are many ways to participate.

Fund a Wheelchair Project

Contribute toward wheelchairs,

international shipping, distribution

expenses, and larger Rotary International grant projects. Hope Haven works

with clubs to identify meaningful opportunities that align with their interests, capacity, and international service goals.

Collect Used Wheelchairs

Organize local drives to collect donated wheelchairs and mobility equipment,

which Hope Haven volunteers

then inspect, repair, and refurbish to ship

overseas to those in need—all while actively involving local businesses, churches, schools, and community members.

Volunteer in a Workshop

Serve in one of Hope Haven's wheelchair workshops by cleaning equipment, sorting

parts, preparing components, assembling wheelchairs, and readying shipments for international distribution. No specialized experience is required — staff and experienced volunteers provide instruction for each project.

Join a Distribution Trip

Travel the world with Hope Haven to help fit wheelchairs, work alongside local partners, encourage families, and experience the impact of mobility firsthand. Teams often include therapists, mechanics, medical professionals, translators, ministry partners, and volunteers from many backgrounds.

Host a Fundraiser

Organize local fundraising efforts or support established events benefiting Hope Haven International Ministries. One long-standing example is Rock & Roll for Hope, an annual event created by Rotarian Duane Waack to support wheelchair grants and international mobility projects.

HOW ROTARY CLUBS CAN GET INVOLVED

Every Rotary club is different, and there are many ways to participate.

Fund a Wheelchair Project

Contribute toward wheelchairs, international shipping,

distribution expenses, and larger Rotary International

grant projects. Hope Haven works with clubs to

identify meaningful opportunities that align with their

interests, capacity, and international service goals.

Collect Used Wheelchairs

Organize local drives to collect donated wheelchairs

and mobility equipment, which Hope Haven volunteers

then inspect, repair, and refurbish to ship overseas to

those in need—all while actively involving local businesses,

churches, schools, and community members.

Volunteer in a Workshop

Serve in one of Hope Haven's wheelchair workshops by cleaning equipment, sorting parts, preparing components, assembling wheelchairs, and readying shipments for international distribution.

No specialized experience is required — staff and experienced volunteers provide instruction for each project.

Join a Distribution Trip

Travel the world with Hope Haven to help fit wheelchairs, work alongside local partners, encourage families, and experience

the impact of mobility firsthand. Teams often include

therapists, mechanics, medical professionals, translators,

ministry partners, and volunteers from many backgrounds.

Host a Fundraiser

Organize local fundraising efforts or support established events benefiting Hope Haven International Ministries. One long-standing example is Rock & Roll for Hope, an annual event created

by Rotarian Duane Waack to support wheelchair

grants and international mobility projects.

FROM LOCAL COLLECTION TO GLOBAL MOBILITY

A wheelchair collected in one community can become a life-changing resource for a family thousands of miles away.

1. A Rotary club collects donated mobility

equipment in its community.

2. Hope Haven volunteers evaluate each

wheelchair to determine whether it can be

refurbished or used for parts. Usable chairs

are repaired and prepared for shipment;

components from other equipment may be

repurposed to restore additional wheelchairs.

3. Delivered through one of Hope Haven's

trusted international partners, each

wheelchair is individually fitted to the

recipient whenever possible — letting Rotary

clubs make an impact at every stage, from

collection and preparation to funding and

distribution.

FROM LOCAL COLLECTION TO GLOBAL MOBILITY

A wheelchair collected in one community can become a life-changing resource for a family thousands of miles away.

1. A Rotary club collects donated mobility equipment in its community.

2. Hope Haven volunteers evaluate each wheelchair to determine whether it can be refurbished or used for parts. Usable chairs are repaired and

prepared for shipment; components from other equipment may be repurposed to restore additional wheelchairs.

3. Delivered through one of Hope Haven's trusted international partners, each wheelchair is individually fitted to the recipient whenever possible —

letting Rotary clubs make an impact at every stage, from collection and preparation to funding and distribution.

A GLOBAL NETWORK OF SERVICE

Hope Haven has worked with Rotary clubs and districts in Iowa, South Dakota, California, Wisconsin, British Columbia, Romania, Ukraine, and other locations. Some Rotary partners have developed their own ongoing wheelchair initiatives using Hope Haven equipment and expertise.

PAST ROTARY-SUPPORTED PROJECTS HAVE INCLUDED:

  • Bârlad and Bucharest, Romania

  • Focșani, Romania

  • Izmail, Ukraine

  • Bohol, Philippines

  • Pine Ridge Reservation

  • Humanitarian efforts for Ukraine

Hope Haven continues to explore new Rotary grant opportunities and international partnerships that can expand access to mobility.

A GLOBAL NETWORK OF SERVICE

Hope Haven has worked with Rotary clubs and districts in Iowa, South Dakota, California, Wisconsin, British Columbia, Romania, Ukraine, and other locations. Some Rotary partners have developed their own ongoing wheelchair initiatives using Hope Haven equipment and expertise.

PAST ROTARY-SUPPORTED PROJECTS HAVE INCLUDED:

  • Bârlad and Bucharest, Romania

  • Focșani, Romania

  • Izmail, Ukraine

  • Bohol, Philippines

  • Pine Ridge Reservation

  • Humanitarian efforts for Ukraine

Hope Haven continues to explore new Rotary grant opportunities and international partnerships that can expand access to mobility.

WHY ROTARY AND HOPE HAVEN WORK SO WELL TOGETHER

Rotary members are known as people of action. They recognize a need, bring people together, and work toward a practical solution. That spirit aligns closely with the mission of Hope Haven International Ministries.

Through this partnership, Rotary clubs do more than help provide wheelchairs. They help individuals attend school, participate in family life, access their communities, and experience greater independence.

WHY ROTARY AND HOPE HAVEN WORK SO WELL TOGETHER

Rotary members are known as people of action. They recognize a need, bring people together, and work toward a practical solution. That spirit aligns closely with the mission of Hope Haven International Ministries.

Through this partnership, Rotary clubs do more than help provide wheelchairs. They help individuals attend school, participate in family life, access their communities, and experience greater independence.

MORE OF WHAT WE DO 

Community Living

Day Habilitation

Employment Services

Mental Health

Spiritual Support

International Ministries

Manufacturing

START A ROTARY PARTNERSHIP

Whether your club is interested in funding a project, collecting wheelchairs, volunteering in a workshop, joining

a distribution trip, or pursuing a Rotary International grant, Hope Haven would be honored to explore the possibilities with you.

Together, we can create lasting mobility and hope around the world.

START A ROTARY PARTNERSHIP

Whether your club is interested in funding a project, collecting wheelchairs, volunteering in a workshop, joining

a distribution trip, or pursuing a Rotary International grant, Hope Haven would be honored to explore the possibilities with you.

Together, we can create lasting mobility and hope around the world.

Locations:

  • Rock Valley, IA

  • Sioux Falls, SD

  • Orange City, IA

  • Rock Rapids, IA

  • Spencer, IA

  • Emmetsburg, IA

  • Estherville, IA

Locations:

  • Rock Valley, IA

  • Sioux Falls, SD

  • Orange City, IA

  • Rock Rapids, IA

  • Spencer, IA

  • Emmetsburg,IA

  • Estherville, IA

  • Le Mars, IA

  • Pipestone, MN

  • Sheldon, IA

  • Sibley, IA

  • Spirit Lake, IA

  • Sioux Center, IA

  • Storm Lake, IA

  • Worthington, MN

  • Le Mars. IA

  • Pipestone, MN

  • Sheldon, IA

  • Sibley, IA

  • Spirit Lake, IA

  • Sioux Center, IA

  • Storm Lake, IA

  • Worthington, MN

Hope Haven is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. EIN: 42-0890017. All gifts are tax-deductible.

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15+

Communities Served

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50+

Community Living Homes

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110

Countries Reached

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15+

Wheelchairs Distributed

how to get involved

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Make A

Donation

Support life-changing

services locally and

around the world.

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Join Our

Team

Build a career helping

people live with greater

independence.

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Attend Our

Events

Connect with our missions

through benefits, fundraisers,

and community events.

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Volunteer

Your Time

Use your skills to support

our local programs or our

international wheelchair ministry.

both local and

global impact

Hope Haven began in 1964 as a school for children with disabilities in Rock Valley, Iowa. Today, that same vision continues through local disability services across Iowa and Minnesota and our international wheelchair ministry around the world.

At home, we help people

build skills, independence,

and community.

Around the world, we help

provide mobility, dignity, and

opportunity.

Same vision. Two ways to live it.

He smiled so wide, his whole

face changed.

James is 9 years old and lives in rural Kenya. He was born with a spinal condition that left him unable to walk. For years, his mother carried him everywhere. Last March, a Hope Haven International team fitted James with a KidChair specially designed for rough terrain. It cost $300 to build. It changed everything.

Upcoming events

JUNE

5

Fishing Benefit

Spirit Lake, IA

JUNE

17

Golf Benefit

Spirit Lake, IA

AUG

28

Dueling Duo: Keys to the Garden

Spirit Lake, IA