Life Changing Wheelchairs

A Place to Belong: Jon's Story

By 7017444915 • February 24, 2026
Home looks different for everyone. For Jon, home is now the place he shares with his sister, Shelly. Jon was already living in Shelly’s home when she became one of Hope Haven’s first Host Home providers. What started as a practical next step quickly grew into something far more meaningfu l. As Shelly shared, “Opening our home to Jon was a blessing we didn’t know we needed.” Through Hope Haven’s Host Home program, individuals with disabilities live in the homes of carefully selected providers who offer guidance, companionship, and everyday support. Host Homes are just one of several residential options at Hope Haven, alongside staffed community living homes, because no two individuals require the same level or style of care. What matters most is creating a place where people can live safely, grow their independence, and feel truly included. For Jon, that environment means being part of everyday family life, whether that’s grocery shopping and shared meals or being able to help with Shelly’s in-home daycare. “Living here makes me feel happy,” Jon says. For Shelly’s family, the experience has been transformative. “We’ve all become more patient and understanding,” she shares. “My boys have learned gratitude, acceptance, and what it means to truly welcome someone into your life.” That mutual impact is what makes Host Homes unique. “It doesn’t feel like a job,” Shelly explains. “It’s more of a relationship. You get to help someone feel independent, yet safe.” She was quick to add that the impact goes both ways. As she puts it, “You just might meet your best friend.” Because of supporters like you, individuals like Jon have the opportunity to live in a home where they are supported and valued — not just as clients, but as people. Your generosity makes it possible for Hope Haven to offer a range of residential supports, creating safe, stable, relationship-centered living options for individuals with disabilities right here in our communities. “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” — Romans 12:10 If you wish to contribute, please CLICK HERE to donate today.  Thank you for your continued support, prayers, and partnership in Hope Haven’s mission.
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Imagine making a big impact on the lives of others by doing something so simple! Meet Lincoln, a third grader at Rock Valley Christian School, who made a difference in the lives of four children in Vietnam with the gift of mobility.

Last year, Lincoln and his classmates participated in the “Blessed to Bless” fundraiser to raise money for a charity of their choice, where his donation went towards Hope Haven International Ministries to provide a wheelchair for a child in another country. For the class project, the students put together a cookbook to sell. After dividing the profits, each student received $24 to donate back to charity.

But it didn’t stop there! Lincoln’s mom, Emily, asked him if he wanted to donate the $24 or if he wanted to increase his donation. After brainstorming ideas for a fundraiser, Lincoln and his family came up with an idea of chocolate-covered strawberries — because who doesn’t like those around Valentine’s Day! After 15 minutes, they sold 14 dozen strawberries to meet Lincoln’s goal of purchasing one wheelchair. But the excitement continued! The word got around to their local church and people began making donations towards Lincoln’s fundraiser. His plan to purchase one wheelchair turned into four wheelchairs.

On November 2022, 168 wheelchairs were delivered on a distribution trip to Vietnam. Lincoln’s four wheelchairs changed the lives for Tran (age 10), Kien (age 7), Vu (age 15), and Tung (age 7). Today, these kids now have the freedom and independence, as well as an opportunity to attend school.

Inspired by Lincoln’s story, we hope you too feel the passion to give a generous gift and participate in the life change of a wheelchair. Your contribution will help us continue to provide service to those in desperate need around the world.

If you wish to contribute, visit  HTTPS://WWW.HOPEHAVEN.ORG/GIVE  today. At Hope Haven, we thank you again for your support and your prayers in serving our mission.

Three children are sitting at a table with strawberries and a bowl of yogurt.

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