Hope Haven Heroes: Jebadia

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 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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