Meet 16-Year-Old Keigan From Winterset, IA

Hope Haven Ambassadors: Changing the Narrative

By 7017444915 • June 26, 2026
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others…” 1 Peter 4:10 At Hope Haven, we believe every person has God-given gifts to share. That belief is at the heart of the Hope Haven Ambassadors, a group of individuals served through Hope Haven’s My Day program who are learning to use their voices, share their stories, and advocate for themselves and others. The Ambassadors were formed in January 2025 after a community experience sparked a bigger conversation about inclusion, dignity, and the way individuals with disabilities are perceived. Since then, the group has been working to help change that narrative. The Ambassadors have presented to community groups, attended advocacy trainings, traveled to the Capitol, and spoken about issues that matter. Along the way, they are building confidence, developing leadership skills, and helping others understand that every person deserves to be included and respected. For Maggie, being an Ambassador is about helping her community see people with disabilities as equals. “I want individuals with disabilities to be treated as equal to everybody else,” she shared. “I want my community to know it’s okay to be different.” For Lori, the message is simple but powerful. “We are regular people who have different challenges,” she said. “I want to help my community understand that people with disabilities are not less of a person because of their disabilities.” For Octavio, advocacy means using his voice not only for himself, but also for others who may struggle to speak up for what they need. Through his experience with the Ambassadors, he has learned something important: “Our voice matters.” Programs like My Day are about so much more than daily activities. They are about friendship, confidence, purpose, community, and belonging. They create opportunities for people to discover their strengths, build relationships, serve others, and take part in the world around them. Your support helps us continue creating opportunities like the Hope Haven Ambassadors, where individuals can build confidence, share their stories, and discover the power of their voice. Your gift allows us to keep growing alongside those we serve, making an impact that lasts. If you wish to contribute, plea se CLICK HERE to donate today. Thank you for your continued support, prayers, and partnership in Hope Haven’s mission .
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Meet 16-Year-Old Keigan From Winterset, IA

As followers of Christ, we trust in the promise of transformation and new beginnings, enabling individuals to live a productive life in their community. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Your generous support helps us fulfill this mission and bring hope to children like Keigan. Join us in making a lasting impact today.



MEET 16-YEAR-OLD KEIGAN FROM WINTERSET, IA

From showing aggressive behavior to now serving as a role model for others, Keigan’s journey from hopelessness to finding purpose is truly miraculous. Sixteen-year-old Keigan faced unimaginable challenges when the facility he called home in Pennsylvania shut down abruptly. Finding refuge at Hope Haven required days of preparation. During this uncertain period, Keigan spent a night in a shelter, endured time at an Illinois neuro-restorative center, and then, without a case manager or his mother, traveled seven hours alone by taxi to reach Hope Haven in Storm Lake. It was a traumatic experience. 


“To tell you the truth, I was nervous to take on Keigan, wondering how we would manage his aggressiveness. But I had faith in our amazing team to care for him,” said Jenny, Hope Haven’s Community Living Supervisor. “For months, we faced numerous challenges as we worked to address his behavior and create a stable, supportive environment for him. Our team’s dedication and commitment to Keigan’s well-being never wavered, and it is incredibly rewarding to see the progress he has made.” 

Now, Keigan is thriving. He has embraced a mentor role in the house, taking on more responsibilities like vacuuming, cooking, and loading the dishwasher, leading by example. At school, he excels in his studies, connects with his teacher, makes new friends, and volunteers at Storm City Auto Parts. “Keigan had no direction in his behavior when he arrived at Hope Haven. He had a very short temper, but we slowly worked one-on-one to calm him down, teach him to manage his anger, and develop a routine,” said Tyler, Hope Haven’s Lead Coordinator. “It was crucial to earn his trust and respect by staying engaged and learning from each other.” Bethany, Keigan’s mother, said “I am so happy that he is back home in Iowa, attending regular school, and our family can see him more. His staff are incredible, and I am so pleased with the progress he has made with the services he receives. We are truly blessed to have Hope Haven in our lives.”


Thanks to faithful supporters like you, God has opened a new path to meet Keigan’s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs through the residential services at Hope Haven. The support he had long awaited is finally here, helping him develop the skills needed to reach his full God-given potential. As our children’s services continue to grow with new enrollments, we seek your ongoing support to enhance these services. 


Our dedicated staff faces challenging situations but remains committed to seeing the potential in every child, providing the love and support they need. This story of resilience highlights the importance of supporting children in difficult circumstances. With your help, every child can receive the care and opportunities they deserve. Your generosity allows us to expand our programs, provide necessary resources, and create nurturing environments where children can thrive. Together, we can make a lasting impact on these children and their families. 

If you wish to contribute, please CLICK HERE to donate today. At Hope Haven, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your support and prayers in serving our mission now and in the future.