Changing Lives Through Distribution Trip

Hope Haven Ambassadors: Changing the Narrative

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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Hayden Talsma of Avon, SD, who is 16 years old, had the opportunity to travel to Cabo in February 2023 on a Hope Haven International Ministries distribution trip. His mother, Tina Talsma, was also a part of the volunteer group. Given the opportunity, Hayden went on his first big mission trip and it was a life-changing experience to say the least.  

Hayden’s parents, Jerry and Tina Talsma have been connected with Hope Haven for multiple years, hosting one of Hope Haven’s annual fundraisers, Talsma’s ATV/Horse Ride Benefit. Through this connection, Jerry was able to go on a distribution trip to Romania a few years ago. His experience and the stories he shared sparked the interest of Tina and Hayden to do the same. After reaching out and signing up, they were excited for this opportunity to distribute wheelchairs to people in need across the world.

Upon arriving in Cabo, the Hope Haven International Ministries team was introduced to the individuals who ran Mobilize Mankind, who had a shop in an old school building. Hayden explained that all the wheelchair parts were already at the site, they just needed to be put together and then sized to each child that came in. Hayden and Tina assembled wheelchairs for 3 days and averaged about 2 per day. Once the wheelchairs were assembled, Hayden explained his experience of assisting a child from Cabo get fitted for the chair, “the kid couldn’t communicate well, but the mom was very happy that her child got a new wheelchair. It was really exciting to see all that happened, it was just a lot of emotion.”

It’s safe to say Hayden left Cabo with a changed perspective and appreciation for what Hope Haven does. “Before, I didn’t realize that there were organizations to help people with disabilities. I knew they existed, but I didn’t really have a grasp on what they all do. And now I have a better understanding of what Hope Haven is doing behind the scenes to help those in need.”

Hope Haven thanks Hayden, Tina and all the others who continue to go on distribution trips. It is truly a life-changing experience not only for the individuals receiving a wheelchair, but also for Hope Haven volunteers who get to be a part of it.

If you are interested in going on a distribution trip, visit https://www.hopehaven.org/what-we-do/international-ministries/ to view the dates for 2023 and 2024.