Orange City Groundbreaking Ceremony

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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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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