Meet 16-Year-Old Keigan From Winterset, IA

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.
Show More
A group of people are playing instruments on a stage in front of a crowd.
By Hope Haven October 24, 2025
February 13, 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
A large group of people are sitting at long tables in a large room.
By nicole.andree October 6, 2025
March 27, 2026
More Posts →

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.