Celebrating Goals

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 →

“When I first started with Hope Haven I didn’t quite realize what I was getting myself into ” said Dee Ann Van Dyke Lead Coach for Hope Haven. “And now I’m so grateful. The people I work with are so special. Each person has some pretty amazing strengths and gifts.”

Employed with Hope Haven since 2004 when she discovered an opening at the Orange City location Van Dyke has learned a lot since that first day. As a Lead Coach Van Dyke is responsible for training supporting and empowering both employees and clients. Both supervisors and “field guides.” Lead Coaches handle everything from coordinating schedules to training employees to supervising client activities. “It takes consistency and patience ” she says of the job. “And you can never underestimate the value of spending real quality time with each person.”

“My favorite part of my job is seeing growth ” she adds. “From managing emotions to accomplishing tasks independently our clients are no different from you or me when it comes to having goals and achieving them. But with this job I get to help make it happen and then I get to celebrate with them when it does.”

Van Dyke whose day isn’t complete without Jesus and the purpose within her work loves the daily conversations she has with her clients and is often amazed at the honesty and depth of their talks. “I’ve been blessed to work with so many great clients during my time at Hope Haven ” she states. “Even when a client gets stuck in a poor behavior choice or an activity doesn’t go as planned I know I’m making a difference here.”

Are you ready to make a difference here? Explore our current job opportunities here.

The post Celebrating Goals appeared first on Hope Haven.