Meet the My Day group from Emmetsburg, Iowa

Peace of Mind, Redefined

By 7017444915 • March 26, 2026
There is a certain kind of peace that comes when you know someone you love is safe. One mother, Jeanelle Stokes, shared that before Smart Living, there was always a quiet tension. Even when things were going well, that lingering question remained: What if something happens when no one is right there? At Hope Haven, we believe safety and independence should not compete with one another. They should work together. That belief is what led to the development of Smart Living. Smart Living blends personalized technology, remote support, and in-person care to help individuals live more independently while maintaining a dependable safety net. From our Remote Support Center in Spirit Lake, trained professionals are available 24 hours a day, ready to respond when assistance is needed. Jeanelle put it simply: “I don’t feel like I have to hover anymore. I know someone is there if he needs help.” Homes are equipped with thoughtfully selected tools such as motion sensors, wearable devices, secure video connections, and interactive reminders, all tailored to the member’s individual needs. These tools aren’t designed to replace care, but to enhance it. For Jeanelle’s son Jerrod, constant staff presence was increasing his anxiety. When part of his support transitioned to remote monitoring, there was a noticeable change. Within days, he began reaching out just to say, “Hi, I’m okay.” With that change, he had more space while still knowing support was just a call away. As Scripture reminds us, “The Lord himself watches over you.” - Psalm 121:5 Smart Living reflects that same premise of watchful care, encouraging independence while still keeping support within reach. As this initiative expands, more individuals will have the opportunity to live confidently in their own homes, and more families will experience the peace that comes from knowing help is always near. Your generosity makes that growth possible. It allows us to expand Smart Living into more homes, strengthen our Remote Support Center, and ensure that independence is never separated from safety. 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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Jameela Jamil quoted “Every twist and turn in life is an opportunity to learn something new about yourself, your interests, your talents, and how to set and then achieve goals.” Darci Conner, My Day Lead in Emmetsburg, Iowa, truly believes that it pertains to ALL… staff and residents. It’s a wonderful reminder to embrace life’s challenges as valuable learning experiences and opportunities for growth… which continues in My Day!

June 27th, 2024 marked a special and exciting day for nine My Day residents who moved into their new location on main street in Emmetsburg’s! The My Day program became available to the community on August 2, 2023, and had already outgrown its previous location.

“The new location is truly a blessing,” said Darci. “We now have more space to accommodate group skills-based activities, enjoy natural light, cook together in a kitchen area which we didn’t have before, crafts area, office space, and a conference room!” 

As we continue to improve the My Day services, we are more visible in the community, have more opportunities to volunteer, can explore new places of business, restaurants, and parks, and learn what is happening around us! According to Darci, “Our residents love being involved in the community and now it’s easy for me to look into new opportunities that we can be part of!” They participate in various activities such as delivering Meals on Wheels, unloading the Food Pantry truck, attending Lakeside Lutheran Nursing Home, inviting the police and sheriff’s department for doughnuts and coffee, attending chamber events, and collaborating with ISU Extension.

Each twist and turn helps our My Day group to discover more about their interests, talents, and how to set and achieve their goals. “Our goal and mission are to provide new and diverse opportunities in their lives for fulfillment, motivation, or individual growth; and to find a way each individual can express who they are in their own way.” 

Through the generosity of our donors like you, Hope Haven will be able to offer more opportunities to individuals, to pursue their passions and discover what it means to be a part of a community. Your contribution will enable us to continue our growth in services while making a difference in the lives of those we serve.

If you wish to contribute, please  CLICK HERE  to donate today. We thank you for your support and prayers in serving our mission today and in the future.