News : Faces of Benton County: Destiny and John VanHauen

MEET DESTINY & JOHN VAN HAUEN, Belle Plaine residents striving every day to foster a nurturing environment for their four children!

Destiny and John Van Hauen are the fifth nomination to the Family Nurturing Council's Faces of Benton County campaign. Destiny and John were nominated by Pastor Kate West.

"[The Van Hauens] are the parents of four children. Destiny is one of the local Girl Scout leaders, and John is the current Cub Scout Pack Master in Belle Plaine," Pastor Kate wrote on the couple's nomination form. "They support the music programs and encourage their children to be well rounded by cooking, gardening, and community service."

Both Destiny and John are busy working parents-Destiny is the kitchen manager at the Belle Plaine Casey's, while John works at Whirlpool in Amana-but they have made it a priority to put family first as much as possible. They find value (and humor!) in the everyday hum of family life.

"As much as we work, we make time for them," Destiny said.

"Even if it's only twenty minutes [of reading at bedtime], we make the time…everything from comics to [lengthy] actual books," John added.

In addition to Destiny and John, the Van Hauen family includes high-schooler Anastasia, Savanah in junior high, and Ella and Logan in elementary school.

The family lives in town but tries to grow (and preserve) as much of their own food as possible.

"We keep expanding the garden, pretty soon we'll be in the whole backyard," Destiny explained with a laugh.

The garden is a family project-and, yes, sometimes their kids would prefer not to participate. The Van Hauens' believe it is important to not only know where your food comes from, but to understand shared responsibility.

"I was raised by my folks and my grandmother," John said, "and since I was eight [years-old], I was taught to do the cooking, to be self-sufficient…we want our kids to have responsibilities."

Outside of the occasional Casey's meal brought home from Destiny's workplace, the family most always prepare and eat dinner together. "John cooks most of the meals with the kids…pancakes are their favorite," Destiny said.

Another family favorite is meatloaf with mashed potatoes and garden green beans. "Ella and Ana can make that meal on their own," John said.

Pastor Kate said she also appreciates how Destiny and John limit their kids' screen time, but at the same time readily involve themselves in it-playing games side-by-side with their kids.

Thank you, Destiny and John, for being everyday heroes and a force for good in our community!

Nominate someone that you know, doing great things for kids in Benton County. Form available at https://tinyurl.com/quagb3m Contact bcfamilynurturingcouncil@gmail.com with questions.