All About Community Living Coaching

By 7017444915 December 23, 2025
For the entire beginning of his life, Luke lived life on the floor. We met him on our fourth distribution day in Kenya. His arrival at the site was quiet, but his story spoke volumes. Luke, 11, lives with cerebral palsy. Before he was brought to a children’s home for the disabled, he had endured years of neglect. He was tied up, unable to move around, and kept inside his home so his disability would remain hidden. When they found him, he was emaciated, in constant pain, and X-rays revealed a broken hip that had gone untreated for years. His caregiver, Don, brought Luke to our distribution site for the first wheelchair he has ever owned. Fitting his chair took more than two hours, but Luke smiled through every moment of it. He seemed to understand that his world was opening up for the first time. During the fitting, one of our team members stayed by Luke’s side, comforting him. She shared, “I spent a lot of time with him, praying and singing and just stroking the side of his face. And I think that’s one of the things that really got me, I don’t think he’s had much human contact. He would just lean into me, wanting me to keep going, and he grabbed at my hands like he didn’t want to let go.” Every wheelchair you help provide becomes a turning point - a chance for a child to sit upright for the first time, attend school, join their peers, or simply experience life beyond the walls where they were once hidden. For Luke, it meant being seen, supported, and cared for in ways he had never known. This Christmas season, you can give the gift of mobility and change a life forever. Your support ensures that the most vulnerable are not forgotten and brings dignity and hope to children who have endured far too much. Luke is not alone — children like him are waiting across the world. “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” — Matthew 25:40 You can change a life today. Every gift brings light into the darkness and gives children like Luke a future filled with possibility. Thank you for giving children like Luke, and so many others, a chance at dignity and hope. If you wish to contribute, please CLICK HERE to donate today. We are deeply grateful for your support and prayers as we continue our mission to serve and uplift those in need.
Show More
A group of people are playing instruments on a stage in front of a crowd.
By Hope Haven October 24, 2025
February 13, 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
A large group of people are sitting at long tables in a large room.
By nicole.andree October 6, 2025
March 27, 2026
More Posts →

Most of us at Hope Haven consider ourselves pretty fortunate to have found our place within this amazing organization. Whether we sought out our positions with purpose found them by happy accident or were pulled in by a higher calling most of us have been blessed with job benefits that have exceeded our expectations. Lori Richardson Certified Community Living Lead Coach made time in her busy day to talk about what it means to work here.

“It is a privilege to support individuals I serve ” said Richardson who has been a Hope Haven employee since 2007. “When I walk into this place I get a warm welcome from our clients. It’s an honor to make a difference in their lives just like they have made a difference in mine.”

When her nephew was born with Down Syndrome Richardson was determined to learn and be the best aunt she could be. She sought out Hope Haven interviewed and was hired. “From that day on   I would receive the knowledge I needed ” she said. “And more heart tugs than I can count.”

Many years later she was approached to become a Lead Coach which she eventually accepted in October 2015. “This job takes loyalty commitment and dependability ” she adds. “It also takes a positive attitude compassion patience and a willingness to learn. Fun and excitement are required. Laughter is necessary. And happiness is a natural byproduct.”

In her ten years with our organization Richardson has learned a few things about herself and the people she serves. “You have to be an active participant. You need to work hard to build the skills that are necessary and then you need to follow through be professional and value the work of the others on your team ” she said. “More than that it’s important to understand our clients and meet them where they are—find their strengths encourage growth in their weaknesses accept their limitations. We all deserve to contribute and participate in our larger community. Some of us just need a little more help.”

Richardson goes on to say that improving the quality of life for others is one of her favorite parts of the job. She also enjoys the flexibility of being able to schedule work around my family and activities.

The post All About Community Living Coaching appeared first on Hope Haven.