For the entire beginning of his life, Luke lived life on the floor. We met him on our fourth distribution day in Kenya. His arrival at the site was quiet, but his story spoke volumes. Luke, 11, lives with cerebral palsy. Before he was brought to a children’s home for the disabled, he had endured years of neglect. He was tied up, unable to move around, and kept inside his home so his disability would remain hidden. When they found him, he was emaciated, in constant pain, and X-rays revealed a broken hip that had gone untreated for years. His caregiver, Don, brought Luke to our distribution site for the first wheelchair he has ever owned. Fitting his chair took more than two hours, but Luke smiled through every moment of it. He seemed to understand that his world was opening up for the first time. During the fitting, one of our team members stayed by Luke’s side, comforting him. She shared, “I spent a lot of time with him, praying and singing and just stroking the side of his face. And I think that’s one of the things that really got me, I don’t think he’s had much human contact. He would just lean into me, wanting me to keep going, and he grabbed at my hands like he didn’t want to let go.” Every wheelchair you help provide becomes a turning point - a chance for a child to sit upright for the first time, attend school, join their peers, or simply experience life beyond the walls where they were once hidden. For Luke, it meant being seen, supported, and cared for in ways he had never known. This Christmas season, you can give the gift of mobility and change a life forever. Your support ensures that the most vulnerable are not forgotten and brings dignity and hope to children who have endured far too much. Luke is not alone — children like him are waiting across the world. “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” — Matthew 25:40 You can change a life today. Every gift brings light into the darkness and gives children like Luke a future filled with possibility. Thank you for giving children like Luke, and so many others, a chance at dignity and hope. If you wish to contribute, please CLICK HERE to donate today. We are deeply grateful for your support and prayers as we continue our mission to serve and uplift those in need.

When twelve-year-old Austin first came to Hope Haven, life was hard for him. He struggled with self-regulation and frequent behavioral outbursts. He wasn’t able to participate in his own care, and he often became so overwhelmed that he was sent home from school or activities. Medically, Austin relied on a G-tube for all his medications and nutrition and would only drink milk out of an infant’s bottle. Socially, he didn’t engage well with peers or participate in play. Each day came with challenges, but beneath it all was a young boy with tremendous potential and people who refused to give up on him. One of those people is Harley Roosa, a Community Living Supervisor in Storm Lake who has worked with Austin for more than three years. “There were some really long days,” Harley shared, “but we started each day new. We didn’t give up on him. We kept pushing him to be better and do better.” With consistent support and encouragement, Austin began to make remarkable progress. Speech therapy and predictable routines helped him find stability, and before long, he was speaking in full sentences. He learned to take his medications by mouth, began tasting food for the first time, and even started reading. Most beautiful of all, Austin began to connect with others, playing games with peers and showing genuine care for the people around him. Today, Austin is caring, passionate, resilient, and full of joy. He expresses his feelings, talks about what he enjoys, and lights up when he sees familiar faces. “Austin is stigma-breaking,” Harley said. “He’s shown us that if you want to, you can grow into an amazing, self-regulated, caring, and outgoing person within a short time.” Austin’s journey truly reflects Hope Haven’s vision—a community devoted to the special creation of God that is the human being. Here, we value each person’s gifts and potential, and walk beside them as they learn, grow, and discover their purpose. Guided by faith, we help children like Austin build confidence and independence through the realization of their God-given abilities. In this season of gratitude and giving, we are reminded of God’s promise in Galatians 6:9: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” When you give, you become part of that transformation, helping children like Austin grow into the best version of themselves. Will you consider a gift today to continue blessing children in Hope Haven’s care with the support and compassion they deserve? 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.

Local disability services are essential in empowering Persons with Disabilities. Read more now or contact us for more information.

For the past eight years, our Orange City My Day program has known what it feels like to be without a home. We bounced from one rental space to another—sometimes staying only six months, sometimes a year. None of those spaces were truly designed for the people we serve. And every time we had to move again, our members’ anxiety grew. Thanks to our generous supporters, that all changed this past spring. We built a new multipurpose facility, complete with accessible restrooms, a full kitchen, ample storage, and room to grow. Connected to our wheelchair workshop, it not only provides a permanent home for our members but also gives them meaningful ways to contribute to our ministry. As Hailey Lewis, the Orange City My Day Lead, shared when she first walked inside: “I love it. The colors, the rustic look, it’s beautiful. But more than that, it’s home.” Our members agree. Colin grinned and said, “There’s lots of stuff to do!” From cooking projects in the kitchen, to playing games, to volunteering in the workshop, this new home has sparked joy for the entire group. But most importantly, it has brought them peace. The constant stress of moving and the worry about accessibility and functional amenities is finally all behind them. Hailey shared, “If I put something in a box, a couple of my members ask, ‘Are we moving again?’ And I get to remind them, no. This is permanent, this is forever. Having their forever home here has minimized their anxiety, they don’t have to worry about anything. Now, they can just focus on themselves, and that has changed everything for them.” In this new season for the Orange City My Day program, we are reminded of God’s promise in Isaiah 32:18: “My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.” Supporters like you make it possible for us to continue our mission of creating spaces where individuals with disabilities can find community and purpose, and the opportunity to thrive. Will you consider a gift today to continue blessing individuals in programs like My Day with the security and stability they deserve? If you wish to contribute, please CLICK HERE to donate today. At Hope Haven, we exten d our heartfelt gratitude for your support and prayers in serving our mission now and in the future.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to break down stigma and uplift stories of hope, healing, and resilience. At Hope Haven, we believe in the power of transformation, and we witness it every day through programs like Peer Support Services and Individual Placement and Support (IPS), where recovery meets purpose. When Ryan Long moved to northwest Iowa to rebuild his life, he was simply looking for stability. He connected with Plains Area Mental Health, and through their partnership with Hope Haven, was introduced to our IPS program. IPS goes beyond traditional job coaching; it integrates employment services with mental health care, offering holistic support to individuals living with mental illness. Ryan’s first job placement, a manufacturing position, wasn’t the right fit. But his employment specialist, Terri, saw something more in him and encouraged Ryan to consider a role in our Peer Support Services program. Ryan had learned about peer support years earlier, and the idea had always stuck with him. When the door opened again, he stepped through it. Today, Ryan thrives as a peer support specialist at Hope Haven. Drawing from his own experience with autism, anxiety, and depression, he supports others navigating similar challenges. He helps clients build coping strategies, gain confidence, and work on personal goals, often over a cup of coffee or a walk in the community. This work doesn’t just change lives for those he supports, it’s changed Ryan, too. “This job gives me purpose,” Ryan says. “And it keeps me accountable. Knowing that people are depending on me helps me stay grounded in my own journey.” As the Apostle Paul reminded the early church in 1 Thessalonians, we are not called to walk alone. In a world that often feels uncertain, we are instructed to encourage one another and build each other up. "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." —1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV) That’s what Hope Haven is all about, coming alongside people in every stage of life, offering encouragement, support, and Christ-centered care. And we cannot do it without you. When you give to Hope Haven, you're not just donating. You're investing in second chances, in purpose-filled work, and in the belief that everyone is created with value and potential. Will you help us continue walking alongside individuals like Ryan by making a gift this month? Together, let’s be the hands and feet of Christ, bringing light to dark places and hope to those who need it most.  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.

At Hope Haven, we believe in the profound power of transformation. Every individual carries the potential for growth when given the right support and opportunities. 2 Corinthians 5:17 reminds us of this truth: ‘Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!’ Josh Canny’s story is a powerful testament to this belief. His journey of growth and resilience exemplifies how faith and support can lead to extraordinary change. Josh, born in Spirit Lake, Iowa, found his home at Hope Haven at the age of 18. Now 35, his journey illustrates the power of compassion, opportunity, and community. Josh began in Hope Haven’s Parkview workshop, where he struggled to find fulfillment. However, everything changed with the introduction of the My Choice Employment program, offering Josh the chance to explore community employment. He took this opportunity and thrived. Today, Josh works nearly 40 hours a week at Double HH Manufacturing, contributing across multiple departments. From running machines to packaging, Josh’s versatility and uplifting attitude have become invaluable to his team. Austin Vande Vegte, Operations Manager at Double HH, shares, “Josh’s contributions have had a positive impact on our team. His willingness to learn and help across the plant ensures we deliver quality to our customers on time.” Josh’s journey to independence hasn’t been without challenges. Losing his mother at 13 and experiencing an unstable upbringing left him with little structure or support. For a time, he lived with relatives who didn’t encourage his growth. But at Hope Haven, Josh found stability, relationships built on trust, and the structure he needed to thrive. Over the years, Josh has grown immensely—both at work and in life. He now lives independently in Sioux Center, enjoys cooking, video games, and going out to eat or to the movies with his friends. He has transformed into a kind, respectful person; taking pride in his work ethic and relationships. Amanda, Josh’s longtime Double HH Job Coach, reflects, “Josh has grown so much. Watching him mature and succeed has been like seeing family flourish. I am so proud of the person Josh has become.” Josh’s journey from instability to independence is a powerful example of how lives can be transformed through faith, compassion, and community. At Hope Haven, we know that every individual we serve has their own unique story and potential—just like Josh. Our dedicated staff helps individuals realize their potential, providing the support and encouragement they need to thrive. This story of resilience highlights the importance of supporting individuals in difficult circumstances. With your help, more people like Josh can receive the guidance, care, and opportunities they deserve. Your generosity allows us to expand our programs, equip individuals with necessary resources, and foster environments where they can truly flourish. Together, we can make a lasting impact on their lives and the communities they call home. 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.

Iowa Hawkeye Wide Receiver, Reece Vander Zee, recently spent a day with his family refurbishing wheelchairs at the Hope Haven International Ministries (HHIM) workshop in Rock Valley. The 18-year-old from […] The post Hope Haven International Ministries continues to make worldwide impacts appeared first on Hope Haven.

Disability living services are a vital component of a compassionate society that seeks to support individuals with disabilities in leading fulfilling lives. These services encompass a range of programs designed […] The post What Are Disability Living Services? appeared first on Hope Haven.

During the Christmas season, we take time to reflect on what truly matters – expressing gratitude and sharing our love with others. We find joy in God’s presence, celebrate, and […] The post Give the Gift of Hope this Christmas Season appeared first on Hope Haven.

“Her screams are something I won’t ever forget,” said Jenna Ramirez, Hope Haven’s Mental Health Manager. “As my daughter sat on the nearest part of our roof, trying to calm […] The post Isaiah 43:2 – When you go through deep waters, I will be with you appeared first on Hope Haven.

CLICK HERE to view this impactful video showing what happened in Rock Valley, IA and Hope Haven on June 22. Giving Tuesday is on December 3, 2024. This is a day […] The post Giving Tuesday 2024 appeared first on Hope Haven.