Alicia’s Story

By 7017444915 June 26, 2026
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others…” 1 Peter 4:10 At Hope Haven, we believe every person has God-given gifts to share. That belief is at the heart of the Hope Haven Ambassadors, a group of individuals served through Hope Haven’s My Day program who are learning to use their voices, share their stories, and advocate for themselves and others. The Ambassadors were formed in January 2025 after a community experience sparked a bigger conversation about inclusion, dignity, and the way individuals with disabilities are perceived. Since then, the group has been working to help change that narrative. The Ambassadors have presented to community groups, attended advocacy trainings, traveled to the Capitol, and spoken about issues that matter. Along the way, they are building confidence, developing leadership skills, and helping others understand that every person deserves to be included and respected. For Maggie, being an Ambassador is about helping her community see people with disabilities as equals. “I want individuals with disabilities to be treated as equal to everybody else,” she shared. “I want my community to know it’s okay to be different.” For Lori, the message is simple but powerful. “We are regular people who have different challenges,” she said. “I want to help my community understand that people with disabilities are not less of a person because of their disabilities.” For Octavio, advocacy means using his voice not only for himself, but also for others who may struggle to speak up for what they need. Through his experience with the Ambassadors, he has learned something important: “Our voice matters.” Programs like My Day are about so much more than daily activities. They are about friendship, confidence, purpose, community, and belonging. They create opportunities for people to discover their strengths, build relationships, serve others, and take part in the world around them. Your support helps us continue creating opportunities like the Hope Haven Ambassadors, where individuals can build confidence, share their stories, and discover the power of their voice. Your gift allows us to keep growing alongside those we serve, making an impact that lasts. 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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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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