Community Connections

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.
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As Hope Haven focuses on expanding integrated employment for people with disabilities and closing sheltered workshops we also are changing the way we deliver day habilitation. A major component in the evolution of day services and supports is the development of community based day supports that we now call “My Day”. My Day services are now offered in the community in which an individual lives.  

These services are in locations that are not isolated from the community  but rather places that promote the full integration and inclusion of individuals with disabilities. My Day has formed partnerships with local businesses and churches. “It has been a real pleasure having the My Day Program here at MRC. They are a true blessing to have in church!” comments Emily Borger Administrative Assistant at Maurice Reformed Church in Maurice IA. 

The My Day programs spend a majority of their time in the community participating in deliberate and purposeful activities. “Things that we really emphasize in My Day are community connections and community integration ” notes Erin Eggebeen Manager of My Day West. Activities might include: volunteering accessing community facilities such as libraries wellness centers taking tours of local businesses exploring area parks/nature centers.  

 ”It’s been really exciting to see the relationships that have formed between our program members and people in the community as they work alongside each other ” comments Eggebeen. “They have been able to develop some special connections with each other.” 

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