Hope Haven Heroes: Jebadia

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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Today we’re introducing you to another one of our many Hope Haven Heroes. We are acknowledging these staff members for going above and beyond during the pandemic. They have volunteered to work in Hope Haven community living sites that have tested positive for COVID-19. And these are not the only heroes – over sixty staff have volunteered to help out in this way if needed. We are so grateful to their dedication to the people that we serve. Keep reading to learn more about Jebadia and why he is a “Hope Haven Hero”.

Jebadia Downard – Community Living Supervisor

How long have you been with Hope Haven? 2.5 years

How did you make the decision to help out in homes that have tested positive for COVID? I saw the need and offered my assistance. I have done a quarantine in Rock Valley. I most recently did a quarantine in Hull as well.

What have been some challenges and surprising positives at work during this time? It was challenging to be away from my family the most. My time in both quarantines seemed to fly by working with a great 3 person team to try keeping everyone safe and healthy.

Any other thoughts? The preparation we have done as an organization has helped tremendously in dealing with these situations. We made it through both times with excellent teamwork!

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