Orange City Groundbreaking Ceremony

A Place to Belong: Jon's Story

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.
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On Wednesday, October 2, Hope Haven held a ceremony to celebrate the start of construction of a new facility to be completed in March 2025 that will serve multiple purposes. This facility will accommodate the Hope Haven International Ministries volunteer workshop and the My Day program, located on Frankfort Place SE and 16th St in Orange City, IA.    

Since 2020, a team of volunteers in Orange City has worked exclusively on creating the seating parts needed to complete these chairs. Each seat is custom-sewn. “Sewing is a hard skill, but we are willing to help train. Linda Feikema and Sharon Moss were recently in Kenya along with Jerry Dykstra. They taught women who had never sewn or used a sewing machine this valuable skill while Jerry worked to help set up the shop and acquire materials,” said Luke Russell, Hope Haven International Ministries Director.

When the team began in 2020, the output was about 20 seats per month; today, they average 50 seats a week. They began in the back of an old auto parts store located off Highway 10 and recently moved to an industrial garage space at 14th and Frankfort Place SE. 

Jerry Dykstra shares, “The new space will double our workshop space and give us much-needed storage space as we receive products and prepare them for shipment.” He adds, “Our current sewing room is very cramped, and this will allow for more space for sewing and also space to add more machines and volunteers. We are always looking for more volunteers. Volunteers can work one to 15 hours a week.” Volunteers will continue at 14th and Frankfort Place until the new space is complete. For more information or to become a volunteer, email dutchmadeoc@gmail.com or call Jerry Dykstra at 712-441-5967.

THE CURRENT CHALLENGES:
  •  Lack of a permanent space: HHIM – moved 3 times in 5 years and My Day – moved 4 times in 5 years
  • Need extra area for growth: HHIM – 30 volunteers and My Day – 8 residents
  •  Disadvantage of layout and navigation
  • Issue with parking
  • No kitchen area
 
THE NEW MULTIPURPOSE FACILITY WILL PROVIDE:
  •  Future of consistent space
  • Create an intentional work area
  • Solve layout inefficiencies
  • Advantage of ministry growth
  • Partner together in the workshop with the volunteers and My Day residents
INTERNATIONAL MINISTRIES
  • Expand capacity of kidchairs
  • Develop more volunteer opportunities
  • Increase community involvement

MY DAY

  • New life skill activities
  • Better access to the community 

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