Lincoln’s Fundraiser

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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Meet Lincoln! He just finished second grade at Rock Valley Christian School. This past school year the second graders participated in Blessed to Bless where they found a way to raise money and give it back to a charity of their choice. For this project the class put together a cook book to sell. After splitting the profits each student got $24 to give back to charity.

After narrowing down his options Lincoln decided he wanted to donate his money to Hope Haven International Ministries so it could go towards a wheelchair for a kid in another country. However Lincoln’s mom Emily asked him if he just wanted to give the $24 or if he wanted to make it grow in some way. Lincoln excitedly chose to find a way to give a bigger donation.

After brainstorming ideas for a fundraiser Lincoln and his family came up with the idea of chocolate covered strawberries since it was close to Valentine’s Day. They calculated exactly how many dozen strawberries they needed to sell in order to buy one kid chair (a wheelchair made by HHIM volunteers specifically for children). After only 15 minutes they had to stop taking orders because they already sold the 14 dozen strawberries they needed to meet Lincoln’s goal.

Lincoln along with the help of his family made and delivered the strawberries on Valentine’s Day. While Lincoln was thrilled to buy one wheelchair their local church caught wind of his fundraiser and multiple people were interested in making donations. As word got around Lincoln soon turned his initial $24 into enough money to buy four kid chairs!

We thank Lincoln and his family for changing the lives of children around the world with the gift of mobility!

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