Desmond

The Gift of Mobility: Luke's Story

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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Today’s blog comes to you from Direct Support Professional Desmond. Keep reading to get to know Desmond and why he love his Hope Haven job:

Every individual we serve is different. Every person on the Hope Haven team is different. We at Hope Haven work to celebrate those differences while bridging the gap between the individuals we serve and the community. Joining Hope Haven means you will become an important piece in this objective.  

First: I’ve always been someone that is ministry minded. I believe that my faith should be incorporated in everything I do. At Hope Haven I am able to put my faith into action through the way I interact with my fellow employees as well as the individuals we serve. We unfortunately live in a world that isn’t always kind to what we don’t understand. However my position allows me to show the individuals we serve the love grace and mercy that overflows my heart and through my work.

Secondly: I am never bored at this job. If you are doing your job correctly you are met with challenges goals and different scenarios every day. The personality spectrum of the individuals we serve as well as the employees are as colorful as a box of crayons. We have fun we share ideas and experiences and we genuinely work to create an environment that is safe and entertaining for all.

Thirdly: You are more than just an employee. More than just a number. More than just a spot filled. We love to see each other succeed and bend over backwards to make sure that happens. Through our trainings staff meetings and online courses your skills will be honed; your strengths increased and your weaknesses developed. From first day of employment you are valued and we make sure you feel it.

Still interested in Hope Haven? Have questions? Do not hesitate to check us out at hopehaven.org or ask someone you know that is on our team. We are everywhere. Thank you for taking the time to hear me out. Come on over to Hope Haven. You won’t regret it.

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