Rock Valley Flood

A Perfect Match: Ryan’s Employment Story

By 7017444915 • May 29, 2026
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” Colossians 3:23 For many years, Ryan made his living as a truck driver. It was work he knew well, but when health concerns made it necessary for him to make a change, he found himself facing an uncertain future. In March of 2024, Ryan was referred to Hope Haven through Vocational Rehabilitation Services for help finding meaningful employment. Like many people starting over, the path was not immediate or easy. Ryan and his employment specialist explored many different opportunities, but the right fit had not yet come along. Then, in April of 2025, BioVerse entered the picture. BioVerse had partnered with Hope Haven before, both through in-house production work and by welcoming individuals on-site to help with production needs. When they began looking for an office assistant, Ryan came to mind. Although he had never worked in an office role, he had basic computer knowledge, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn. A work trial was arranged, and almost immediately, it became clear that Ryan and BioVerse were a perfect match. Since joining the team, Ryan has become an important part of BioVerse’s daily operations. His supervisor, Lori Henning, shared that Ryan has shown “a rare combination of technical curiosity and a can-do work ethic.” He has embraced new technology, including AI, to help solve software challenges, and when production needs increased, he stepped onto the manufacturing floor without hesitation. Lori wrote, “He hasn’t just filled a role; he has enriched our company culture and reminded us of the value of a truly dedicated partner.” For Ryan, this opportunity was not simply about finding a new job. It was about finding a place where his skills could shine in a new way. His story shows us that when people are connected with meaningful work, they do more than just fill a role. They strengthen an entire workplace. Your support helps open the door for people like Ryan. Because of your generosity, Hope Haven can continue building partnerships with local employers and help people find places where their skills and strengths are truly valued. If you wish to contribute, plea se CLICK HERE to donate today. Thank you for your continued support, prayers, and partnership in Hope Haven’s mission.
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Though recent flooding took a toll on Hope Haven, the organization’s executive director remains optimistic

Although recent flooding damaged Hope Haven’s main office building in Rock Valley, offices in Sheldon, Spencer, and Rock Rapids, eight community living facilities with a total of 50 residents, and the Hope Haven International Ministries (HHIM) workshop — in which volunteers refurbish wheelchairs — the organization’s Chief Executive Officer, Matt Buley, testified to God’s provision.

“Thankfully, the majority of the people we support were evacuated on Friday, so we did not have to get them out when the sirens went off in the middle of the night,” he said.

Many people who were living in Hope Haven’s community living homes or apartment buildings and were displaced due to the flood have found living arrangements in homes within the organization. Buley credits the organization’s community living staff with making this a quick and smooth transition.

“Our community living staff did an amazing job getting the people we support into alternative placement,” he said.

Other organizations have offered to provide housing for people as well. The leadership of Whispers of Love, Hope, and Joy, a Sioux Center organization that provides housing for victims of domestic violence, offered to have people live temporarily in the organization’s living facility.

“[They] were waiting for a security system to be installed in the building,” said Buley. “When they heard about what was happening, they offered it to us. We are surrounded by blessings and things coming together by the goodness of God.”

As far as Hope Haven’s main building is concerned, Buley said the north side was damaged while the south side remained dry.

The contents of the HHIM workshop were severely damaged.

“There will be a tremendous amount of loss amongst those wheelchairs.”

There were 975 adult refurnished wheelchairs and 1,106 kid chairs in the HHIM workshop ready to be shipped when the floodwater rushed into the building. They do not yet have a count on how many of them were damaged and can’t be used or restored.

Buley is incredibly grateful for the volunteers who’ve helped with Hope Haven’s cleanup.

“Thank You.. Thank You.. Thank You.. We are extremely grateful to all the volunteers who assisted with cleaning out Hope Haven this week,” a post on Hope Haven’s Facebook page read on June 26. “What a blessing to see other communities come together to support each other.”

     – Published by Kelly Vander Pol | Rock Valley Bee

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