Alicia’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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San Salvador the capital city of El Salvador is considered of one of the deadliest cities in the Western Hemisphere. Violence between gangs and police kills thousands every year and often those affected are innocent.

Alicia was just a year old when she was caught in the crossfire between two gangs and shot leaving her spinal cord injured and paralyzed from the waist down. Now 8 years old Alicia is an incredibly intelligent and independent little girl. When we met her she was excited to practice her English with us and insisted on getting into her new chair unaided.

Alicia wanted more than anything to go to school. However she could not; many schools in El Salvador refuse to accept children with disabilities on the basis of a lack of facilities and resources. For a competent and able childlike Alicia for whom an education could truly open up a world of possibilities this was something we could not accept.

Thanks to her new functioning wheelchair we were ecstatic to learn that a school took her and she is now receiving the education that she – and every child no matter their circumstances – deserves.

You can help provide a wheelchair for another child like Alicia! A $275 donation provides a pediatric KidChair wheelchair and a $100 donation provides a refurbished wheelchair. Fill out the form below to change someone’s life!

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