Project Handclasp and the US Navy ship, ‘US Swift’ transported two containers of wheelchairs to Guatemala in January. Project Handclasp is the Navy´s worldwide outreach program that facilitates public and private partnerships with corporations. It delivers goods overseas for humanitarian aid purposes.

US Swift Mission Commander, Garry W. Wright and seven other US Navy personnel visited Refugio de Esperanza at the beginning of January. They helped a team of physical therapy students and two professors from California State University, Northridge, as well as the Guatemala staff, distribute and fit wheelchairs for 15 children in need of mobility.

The US Navy team was impressed by the impact Refugio de Esperanza was making in the community and invited the staff and distribution team to tour the US Swift ship, located on the east side of Guatemala at Puerto Quetzal. The US Swift is a huge, forty thousand horsepower-driven, catamaran-style state of the art, cargo carrier. This is was a privilege and unique opportunity for the team to be able to tour the ship.

HHIM has a continuing partnership with Project Handclasp to deliver wheelchairs to countries in Central and South America for distribution by volunteers.

Next week, the group will give additional wheelchairs to 17 children from a nearby orphanage.

These partners and volunteers have offered more than the gift of a wheelchair. They have provided a dramatic life change and created new opportunities for the recipients and their families. Thank you to the US Navy, Project Handclasp and the distribution teams for their commitment to serving people in developing countries around the globe. We are privileged to be a part of the global effort to support those in need.

Click here to view English version

Click here to view Spanish version

Donate online to make your contribution and contact Michelle to have a certificate personalized to present on Christmas.

mkuiken@hopehaven.org
712-476-3174

Sioux Falls Rotary West president, Melissa Beck, recently awarded a grant of $25,419 to the Hope Haven International Wheelchair Foundation of Sioux Falls and Rock Valley, IA.  John Van Zanten, one of the founders of Hope Haven, Inc. and board member for the Hope Haven Support Foundation, along with Mark Siemonsma, the Hope Haven Support Foundation Director, received the gift.

The funds were used to sponsor more than 275 wheelchairs that were recently given to persons with disabilities in Barlad, Romania.  A team of twelve people, representing Rotarians from five South Dakota Rotary Clubs participated in the wheelchair distribution in early October, 2011.  The group partnered with Romanian Rotary clubs in Barlad and Focsani, Romania, who helped to distribute and seat the wheelchairs over the course of three days.

To date, Rotary West has sponsored more than $150,000 in wheelchair chairs in partnership with Rotary District 5610 and Rotary International through partnering grants. Rotary West has funded more than 1,650 wheelchairs in Romania since 2006.

In additionto the grant process, Rotary West raises revenue through Rock and Roll for Hope at the All Occasions Center in Teas, SD.  The next event is scheduled for March 3, 2012.

The volunteer work was featured on YNN (Your News Now) - Watch the 60 second clip here.

Thank you to HCS for their faithful dedication to supporting global outreach for people with disabilities.

This past summer while on a distribution trip in Guatemala, the team had the opportunity to help a young lady that they would have never know about had it not been for quick thinking on her part.

The group had taken a break from wheelchair work to explore the countryside and give away food, blankets and household goods. They walked by a home on the way down a steep hill and waved at the people looking from the open window. On the way back up the hill the same people were still in the window. A young lady dropped a piece of paper from the window. It was a cry for help.

One of the team members translated the letter to read that this young lady was affected with lupus and was in a lot of pain. She was on many medications and had trouble moving comfortably, if at all.

The group went around to the front of the house as the father carried the young lady to the entrance. The team therapist immediately went to work assessing the situation. She used an interpreter to ask the girl and her father many questions about her condition. She had trouble standing and sitting because of pressure point soreness and spent much of the day lying on a couch staring at the ceiling.

After the therapist recorded all the information, the group vowed to return in a few days. True to their promise, four members of the group returned a few days later with a wheelchair and a walker. She was measured again and the chair properly adjusted.  She was given instruction from the therapist about how to use the wheelchair and walker properly. She endured the pain of being constantly moved for the hour it took to ensure a proper fit.

As the process went along she started to smile and became much more animated in her actions. It did her spirit good to see more of the world than just the ceiling of her room. Her father appeared with a container of soda to offer the group. That was a very generous gesture because this family was of very little means. He smiled proudly as the group drank its soda because he was happy to provide something for the work.

This is what a distribution trip with Hope Haven International Ministries is all about.

READ THE LETOURNEAU UNIV NEWSLETTER STORY HERE

HHIM will be delivering wheelchairs in Ecuador in October and in Kenya in January. HHIM has medical professionals attend distribution trips to ensure that the wheelchairs are properly selected, adapted, and fit for each child. Providing the incorrect type and size of wheelchair can cause injury to the recipient.

Please contact Mark Richard if you are interested in attending one of these trips, or any trip in the future. mrichard@hopehaven.org OR 712-470-2926.

Click here to read what other medical professionals have said about their trip experiences.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE: http://www.thebanner.org/news/article/?id=3528#.Tlu7-X1EZWw.email

This article is distributed to CARF accredited agencies as well as other involved parties and individuals. Thank you to CARF for dedicating the time and resources in order to make the mission of HHIM known.

CLICK HERE to read the article.

Learn more about CARF at www.carf.org.

Click here to read about Hope Haven's CARF accreditation.

The people of Guatemala embraced us and we embraced them. We know that we live a much different life than they yet we all saw each other as friends. The people there have very little compared to US standards, yet are willing to share what little they have. They are a content and hard-working people. I admire their personal pride and bright outlook. I especially admire what they are willing to endure to make sure their disabled child gets the opportunity for mobility. Some of those folks traveled quite a distance and sat in the shop all day quietly waiting their turn, never once complaining. We all did our best with our limited Spanish to make them feel welcome and cared for.

If you are contemplating a mission trip, please put it at the top of your priority list. You will feel satisfaction like you have never felt and made friends that, even though you may never see them again, you will never forget.

By:
Shelli Masek
(pictured in red shirt on the right side of photo, holding a child)

Read testimonials of other people who have traveled with HHIM on distribution trips.

Mark Richard, Director of Operations
712-470-2926
mrichard@hopehaven.org

Val Brummel, Ministry Coordinator
712-476-3180
vbrummel@hopehaven.org

HHIM's staff and volunteers based in Vietnam aided the U.S. team in identifying the recipients in need, as well as with the fitting and distribution of wheelchairs, which are given away at no cost. These Vietnamese staff members support HHIM's annual outreach in Vietnam and are members of the Evangelical Christian Church in Vietnam. During this distribution trip, HHIM also participated in the celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Evangelical Christian Church in Vietnam, a monumental celebration for this restrictive country.

Quy's wheelchair was donated to HHIM by an individual from Magnolia, MN, and it was refurbished to nearly new condition in the Rock Valley, IA shop by dedicated volunteers. In addition to Quy's wheelchair, approximately 200 wheelchairs and other mobility devices were included in the shipment to Vietnam. International Relief & Development (IRD) provided the shipping for this container - a gift of hope for Quy and many others.

"Love from Afar"
(English Translation)

I'd like to send donors a little love through the wind that carries from above. Because on one lonesome dusty day a warm embrace took my hurts away. As though I found myself in a Cathedral, no more pain, no more tears in withdrawal. Raging waters though leave a scar, are not stronger than love from afar that gives me the gift of mobility. Here my humble thanks to gracious generosity.

Nguyễn Thế Quy
06/12/2011
Written To the Evangelical Church of Vietnam and U.S. Hope Haven

 ARTICLE AND PHOTO SUBMITTED BY VAL BRUMMEL, HHIM MINISTRY COORDINATOR

You too can help transform lives by sponsoring a wheelchair for a person in need. Click here to sponsor a wheelchair like Quy's for only $100.  Click here to learn more about HHIM's wheelchair outreach around the world.

Rotary Clubs near Modesto, California, the Oradea Rotary Club in Romania, and Rotary International partnered with HHIM to sponsor and personally deliver a container of wheelchairs this July. Rehabilitation specialists attended the trip to ensure proper fitting of the wheelchairs for each child and adult. This new, free, gift will create change and new opportunities for the recipient and their caregivers. Mark Richard, Director of Operations for HHIM, also attended the distribution trip.

HHIM has delivered over 6,700 wheelchairs to Romania since 1994.

The Oradea Newspaper featured Portul Sperantei, Rotary International, and the wheelchair distribution trip in their local newspaper. Click here to view the Romanian Article.

Click here to see more pictures on Mark Richard's photo site.

Sixty-five men (and one woman!) fished for Hope Haven on June 10th at the 13th Annual Hope Haven Fishing Benefit. Due to flooding in SD, the event which is usually held near Pickstown, was moved to the Spirit Lake and Okoboji Lakes region. The participants were legally allowed to catch fish for the event between 7 AM and 4 PM on Friday. The weigh-in was at Templar Park on Spirit Lake, followed by a meal of grilled porkloins and beans. All funds raised will support Hope Haven's local and international outreach ministries.

Thank you to our event sponsors, participants, and the IA DNR for the support and efforts to make this event possible.

Congratulations to our winners! 

Benefit Winners:
Grand Prize, Walleye - James Auchsetter; 5 lb 3 oz
Bass - Vern Raak
Northern - Loy J. Van't Hul
Perch - Mike Maasen

A special thank you to our Gold Sponsors:

A&K Electric
Harris & Corinne Kruse
Siouxland Machine, Inc.
Klay, Veldhuizen, & De Jong Law Firm, Orange City, IA
Van Zee Enterprises

Thank you to the event sponsors, Town & Country, the DNR at Lake Pahoja, and participants for taking part in this unique event to raise money for Hope Haven.

Thank you to all who attended the event; the participating musicians; Jim Driesen for coordinating the musical groups; and Trinity CRC for providing the food booth.

The money will benefit Hope Haven's mission fund to support it's local and international ministry programs.

Thank you to the volunteers, sponsors, and participants for your support and efforts that helped to make this event a success. The money raised will fund mobility for people in developing countries and support people with special needs that the agency serves in IA and MN.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Platinum Sponsors:
Peoples Bank
Perspective Insurance
Pizza Ranch Corporate

Grand Sponsors:
Den Hartog Industries
German Farmers Mutual
Interstates Companies
John Day Company
Premier Bank
Premier Communications
United Community Bank
Van Engelenhoven Agency
Wireless World

Master Sponsors:
American State Bank
Appraisal Professionals, Inc.
Hegg Memorial Health Center
Hi Way Chevrolet & Buick
BMG Associates, Ron & Sandy Mulder
Plumbing & Heating Wholesale
Van Bruggen & Vande Vegte, PC
Van Zee Enterprises
Visser Elevator
Walstra Plumbing & Heating

Eagle Sponsors:
Avera Health Plans
Frontier Bank/Frontier Insurance & Realty
Promo Marketing & Incentives
Town & Country Implement
Van Kley Tool & Die
 

The event raised close to $12,000. The participants were challenged to raise pledges from their neighbors, co-workers, and family members to support their involvement in the benefit. The winners, in both adult and children categories, received prizes for raising money. A leather saddle, horse hair bridal, and Ranchers Outlet Gift Cards were a few of the top prizes.

Thank you to the donors and participants for your efforts to help raise funds to support Hope Haven's work throughout the region and around the world. Thank you to sponsors: Rocking JK Leather, Texas Roadhouse, Bomgaars, Ranchers Outlet, and Pizza Ranch. Thank you to Rick & Gail Harmelink for the use of their facility, as well as all the committee members for their efforts planning the event. A special thank you to Sioux County and private land owners for their allowance to let us ride through their property for this event.

A professional photograph, Mallary Van Tol, was supporting our event by taking pictures of the ride. Click here to view or purchase the images. (password is horse)

Thank you to event participants, event sponsors, and volunteers. Thank you to Willow Run Golf Course for there help facilitating our benefit. Special thanks to M&H True Value Hardware (Rock Valley, IA) and Adams Thermal Systems (Canton, SD) for their platinum sponsorships.

Congratulations to the winning teams:

First Place - US BANK
Second Place - RESULTS RADIO

FUN ON THE COURSE

PUTTING CONTEST

CATERED PORK CHOPS

DUMPSTER DRIVE & GREAT PRIZES

The tournament consisted of Round Robin play and then a Double Elimination Tournament. The Championship team was the "Kiss Army" who received 2011 Championship Dodgeball shirts for their victory and for bragging rights until next year's event.

Thank you to Sanford and Backyard Broadcasting for their event sponsorships. Thank you to all the participating teams, volunteers, and spectators who were a part of making this event a success.

2nd Place Uniform Team Winners - "White Trash"            

Double Elimination Tournament Play

2011 Dodgeball Champions, KISS ARMY

A team is being put together to go to Guatemala from May 28-June 4 to distribute & repair wheelchairs, to build a house for a needy family and to bring food to some very needy families. We are looking for at least 3-4 more team members. If you are looking for a one-week intense God glorifying, life changing event this is it.

If interested contact Pastor Bill at (712) 476-3136 or e-mail him at bvandyke@hopehaven.org.

Project Handclasp is a US Navy program that supports humanitarian aid and special projects through transporting goodwill materials to foreign nations. The materials delivered are items donated by private American organizations and space is based on availability.

This January, the USS Swift transported 60 pallets of wheelchairs and wheelchair parts for HHIM. The ship made several stops to deliver humanitarian aid to Haiti, Chili, Peru, Ecuador, Guatemala, and El Salvador.  The HHIM wheelchair pallets were delivered when the ship docked in Ecuador and Guatemala. Wheelchairs had previously been delivered through Project Handclasp to Haiti on the USS Iow Jima, four months prior.  

Sixteen pallets were received in Ecuador by an HHIM partnering agency, Bayside Medical Ministries, who specializes in meeting therapeutic needs of people in developing nations. The wheelchairs will be distributed to Ecuadorians in need who have been identified by this ministry.  The additional 44 pallets were delivered to Guatemala through a port on the Pacific coast. These 44 pallets consisted of wheelchairs that were refurbished by inmates at the SD State Penitentiary, as well as components and parts to manufacture 300 Hope Haven KidChairs at Refugio de Esperanza’s manufacturing facility.

After arrival of the ship, the Refugio de Esperanza staff members, all wheelchair users themselves, had the opportunity to tour the USS Swift while it was in port. The pallets of wheelchairs were still on board during this tour waiting to be cleared and unloaded. This was a remarkable experience for the employees, many of whom who have had minimal opportunities in life because of their disability and were without a consistent wage prior to employment with Refugio de Esperanza.  See images below of the employees in front of this Navy carrier.

The US Navy and Project Handclasp donate the cost of sea freight to deliver these humanitarian items. HHIM is responsible for funding the ground shipment from Sioux Falls, SD to Jacksonville, FL and in Ecuador and Guatemala. The 300 wheelchairs that will be manufactured in Guatemala will still require a $180 sponsorship before they can be given away to a child in need.

This year, the camp theme was "Tu Amiga Soy" (I am your Friend) and it was attended by 66 adults, 62 teens, and 41 children. The purpose of the camp is to offer a retreat for people with special needs through fun activities, while presenting the Gospel and challenging people spiritually.  This year, people were taught to know that God's love is real and lasting, and challenged with the invaluable lesson of what is means to be a true friend.

Pastor Bill reflects on his experience this year that "...lives were changed, people were inspired. Friendships began, and some were renewed...All were inspired spiritually and emotionally." 

 CLICK HERE to read Pastor Bill's complete report of this year's camp experience.

• Akron
• George
• Hawarden
• Hull
• Orange City
• Rock Rapids
• Rock Valley
• Sioux Center
• Spencer

Jessica, age 6, came to Refugio de Esperanza (Hope Haven Guatemala) malnourished and on the verge of death. She is one of 6 children in her family with a widowed mother who does not have the resources to even provide enough food for her family. Volunteer and long time partner, Dick Rutgers, knew that Jessica needed more than a wheelchair to survive. He provided her with immediate medical care to help her to regain strength and once Jessica was healthy enough, she received her first wheelchair, a KidChair sponsored by the Good Works Institute and manufactured in Guatemala. Volunteers have continued to follow up with her and have even taken it upon themselves to re-build Jessica's dirt-floored house.

Watch this 4 minute video that tells Jessica's life-changing story.

You can donate online with a credit card, and contact Michelle to give her the details to complete the honorary certificate and photo. 

Contact the Foundation Office to sponsor a wheelchair!

Michelle Kuiken
mkuiken@hopehaven.org
712-476-3174

Participating Pizza Ranches include:

• Akron
• George
• Hawarden
• Hull
• Orange City
• Rock Rapids
• Rock Valley
• Sioux Center
• Spencer

This fall the Grain Train traveled around area fields to collect grain from farmers who were willing to donate via a commodity gift. The program was a success thanks to area farmers and supporters who participated. Thank you for your support this season. The money raised directly supports the local and global outreach ministries of Hope Haven. A special thank you to Vander Haag's Inc. for the use of their truck and to Don Cannegieter for volunteering his time to drive.

What is the Grain Train Commodity Program?
During harvest, the truck can come directly to the farmers field and they are able to conveniently unload their grain directly onto the Hope Haven truck.  No messing with the elevator or writing checks.

Why does this program benefit the farmer?
This program equips those who produce crops and grains to better support ministries like Hope Haven directly from their yield. Since your donation is made prior to recording commodities as income, it is possible for you as a donor to increase your giving to a worthy cause like Hope Haven, while actually providing income tax benefits to you and your family. 

What farmers have to say about the commodity gift program:
Worthington, (MN) resident Gary Teerink previously participated by donating soybeans, which were sold in Hope Haven’s name. Gary explains:  “Since many farms are structured as corporations, only a small portion of the income can be given with  gift-deduction tax advantages. Hope Haven’s Commodity Gift Program allows a tax-advantaged gift of any desired amount.”

Kevin Boeve of rural Rock Valley also had this to say about the program:  “The Commodity Gift Program is a great way to support Hope Haven.  It’s easy, hassle free and has great tax advantages!”

Click here learn more about giving through Commodities.

Interested in donating a commodity gift or having the Grain Train come to your field this Fall?
Contact Scott Koedam to arrange a time that is best for you.
skoedam@hopehaven.org
712-470-7037

The featured company, the PET Project, is an organization based in MO that partners with HHIM to deliver wheelchairs around the world. The PET Chair is opperated by a hand crank. The Hope Haven KidChair is the industrial wheelchair that the little boy receives in the story. Mel West from PET Project and Mark Richard from HHIM discuss the transformation of lives in this story. 

http://www.theculturethatcrawls.com/

The story was made possible by You Tube, Pulitzer Center, and KOMU-TV.

The featured program for the evening was visiting the Snoezelen Room, lead by Mary Juffer, Support Services Assistant. The concept of the Snoezelen Room was formed by therapists in the 1970s as a multi-sensory environment for people with intellectual disabilities. It creates a calming environment using various therapy techniques and materials to improve response to sensory stimulation. Occupational Therapists create programs for clients who use the facility to ensure that the treatment will further their overall therapy goals. The room at Hope Haven is located in the main building in Rock Valley and is utilized by Westview clients.

READ the new ANNUAL REPORT online!  Click here to view.

Refugio de Esperanza (Hope Haven in Guatemala) has launched a new website, so be sure to check it out! The site is writen in Spanish, but there are great pictures and video that will explain the purpose and mission of the people working in the manufacturing shop. 

HHIM opened this wheelchair manufacturing facility in Antigua, Guatemala in the summer of 2008. It employs people with disabilities to work on the wheelchairs. They are paid a traditional wage and are educated on the process of assembling the weelchair. For many of the employees this is an opportunity to earn a wage for their family and to gain work experience. Click here to read more.

The school administration has set a goal to sponsor at least one wheelchair per classroom this school year (sponsorship cost is $90 per wheelchair). The purpose is to educate the students, and challenge them to help others around the world. The students can put their spare change or bills in the provided wooden display box that is set up in each classroom. They can track their progress on a large thermometer that is hanging at the school.

Thank you to the Sioux Falls Christian School for their participation in this activity. 

The ceremony was held on the southeast lawn of the main Hope Haven building in Rock Valley, IA.  About 75 staff, clients, donors, board members, project managers, and community supporters gathered for a dedication to launch the new building project. Speakers included Marlowe Van Ginkel, Director of Church & Public Relations; David VanNingen, Executive Director; Mark Siemonsma, Foundation Director; and David Heilman, Pastor at Calvary CRC in Orange City. Shovels were turned to represent the beginning of this project by various representatives from Hope Haven's history, several staff members and clients, and the contractor and architect.

The project to renovate the north half of the building and relocate HHIM to its own building on Hwy 18, is expected to take until August 2011. At that point, pending continued funding, the south half of the main building will begin construction.

Learn more about the Campaign, it's ongoing goals, and watch a short DVD by clicking here. 

Hope Haven
1800 19th Street
PO Box 70
Rock Valley, IA 51247

After August 31, 2010, mail will no longer be forwarded and will be returned to sender.

If you have questions regarding this change, please contact Brenda Gisolf.

Brenda Gisolf, Executive Secretary
712-476-3116
bgisolf@hopehaven.org

The Tractor Ride raised $2,600 - funds that will go towards supporting Hope Haven's local and global programs. The ride went from Rock Valley to Oak Grove, and returned back to Rock Valley to participate in the end of the parade. There were 38 participants.

Thank you to those who participated!

Join now!

Donations received in May:

• 97 Wheelchairs
• 134 walkers

The wheelchairs will be delivered overseas to people in need of mobility. Thank for helping to change lives around the world!  THANK YOU to KNWC and Ace Hardware for their partnership in this collection drive.

If you still have a wheelchair or mobility device to donate, we take collections all year round!  Click here to find a collection site in your area or contact our Ministry Coordinator for more information.

Val Brummel, Ministry Coordinator
712-476-3180
vbrummel@hopehaven.org

Thank you to Keloland for your support. The awareness and exposure will continue to benefit the outreach of HHIM.

Watch the 30 second PSA below!

Contact Mark if you would like more information or are interested in making a pledge/donation toward the project. Thank you to those who have already contributed and allowed the agency to have reached 60% of it's fundraising goal (as of 5/2010).

CLICK HERE to read more about the Campaign and to view a moving Video about the importance of this campaign for Hope Haven.

Mark Siemonsma, Director of Development
712-476-3126
msiemons@hopehaven.org

The employees at the shop are valuable assets to the wheelchair recipients and their families. Though they may not have had a formal education, the employees are all wheelchair users and have much life experience to share with the families. Learning how to care for bed sores and urinary tract infections, as well as how to properly transfer in and out of a wheelchair, are all valuable lessons to learn.

The training project was initiated by a grant received by the Arthur B. Schultz Foundation. This first portion of the training will go through June 2011.

READ THE ARTICLE AND SEE THE LIFE CHANGING PHOTOS OF WHEELCHAIR RECIPIENTS.

Trips have left from various locations around the region: Rapid City, Aberdeen, Sioux City, Sioux Falls, and other areas. HHIM is a silent partner in this mission and is proud to have this unique opportunity to support the individuals who dedicated their lives to serving this country.

www.honorflight.org